U.S. Department of Energy - Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy

Vehicle Technologies Program

Fact #526: July 7, 2008
Price Breakdown for a Gallon of Gasoline and a Gallon of Diesel

For both gasoline and diesel, taxes make up 10% of the price; distribution and marketing account for another 5%. The remaining 85% of the price comes from crude oil and refining. Refining costs for diesel makes up a greater share of the overall price than for gasoline.

Price Breakdown for a Gallon of Gasoline and a Gallon of Diesel, May 2008
Two graphic images of a gasoline pump showing the price breakdown as of May 2008 for a gallon of gasoline and a gallon of diesel. The retail price of a gallon of gsoline is $3.77 with 10% going to taxes, 5% to distribution and marketing, 10% refining, and 75% crude oil. The retail price of a gallon of diesel is $4.43 with 10% going to taxes, 5% to distribution and marketing, 21% refining, and 64% crude oil.

Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration

 

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