(The Center Square) – Georgians could see some breaks at the gas pump thanks to a federal waiver allowing the sale of winter blend gasoline two weeks earlier.
The federal waiver from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, signed by the Georgia Department of Agriculture, also eases some of the requirements for ethanol content, allowing gas 9% to 15% ethanol to enter the market.
Fuel providers are allowed to switch to the cheaper winter blend on Sept. 15. The waiver allows the state to transition on Sept. 1.
“By adopting this federal waiver, we’re able to increase the available supply of fuel, while maintaining strict quality standards and certifying pumps across the state to ensure Georgians get what they pay for,” said Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper in a statement.
The reason for summer and winter gasoline blends is Reid Vapor Pressure, which measures the fuel’s evaporation temperature, according to AAA. Additives included in winter fuel blends prevent fuel-line freezing and help cars start on cold mornings, the automotive group said.
The summer blend is more expensive because the additives used cost more, according to AAA.
Georgia drivers are paying $3.79 per gallon of regular unleaded gasoline on average, up three cents from a week ago, according to AAA. The cost is 88 cents higher than a year ago.
The national average for a gallon of gas is $4.09.
Gas prices could set a record for August as the conflict between Iran and the U.S. continues, according to AAA’s weekly report.
