I was also told that part of the reason for the increase in price is not due to a shortage of crude at all. It's the fact that the refineries can't keep up with demand now that some of the plants were damaged during Katrina and Rita. In addition, I heard that refineries can't just produce 92 octane for the entire country; apparently the fuel blends vary from state to state? Not sure how accurate this information is but there is some talk within the government and the oil companies to allow the refineries to produce one type of regular unleaded, one type of Super; etc. for the whole country without the minor differences for the states that currently require special blends
