Oil Refiners Struggle to Make Premium Fuel for Luxury Autos

  • Atlantic Basin has a shortage of octane for top-grade gasoline
  • Lack of feedstocks, US rules seen as contributing factors
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Here’s some bad news for drivers of luxury cars and large sport-utility vehicles who are pumping the top grade of gasoline: the premium they pay over regular fuel is getting pricier.

US and European refiners are scrambling to get enough octane to make high-quality gasoline. There are several potential reasons for the shortfall, including the fallout of Russia’s war in Ukraine, the impact of US environmental regulations and a lack of refining capacity.