Effects in Washington, DC, Area of 1979 Gasoline Shortage: Supplies Less Than National Average; Price Increases Comparable

摘要

During May and June 1979 the Washington, DC, metropolitan area received, respectively, 6 and 10% less gasoline than the national average. Although the price of gasoline in the Washington, DC, area increased significantly during the first 7 months of 1979, it was comparable with the national average. The Department of Energy has not developed overall criteria and guidelines to determine when an area has a gasoline supply imbalance which requires the shifting of supplies from other areas. Also, the Department does not know whether the gasoline tilt rule - which gives refiners increased flexibility to allocate additional costs to gasoline - is accomplishing its objectives. The Department, therefore, should develop the necessary criteria and guidelines for responding to gasoline supply imbalances and should determine exactly how the gasoline tilt rule has been working and whether revisions are needed. (ERA citation 05:030192)