Retail Lag Time

While wholesale prices are sliding, retail averages are likely to remain elevated through the end of the week. Station owners are holding prices high to recoup earlier margin losses before the Memorial Day rush.

Blending Component Stability

While RBOB has fell, the cost of the aromatics required for summer-grade octane remains high. This is keeping gasoline from following crude's downward trajectory on a 1-to-1 basis.