Call Our Offices
Your Money.
Your Life.
Your Way.
article
The Rising Price of Crude Oil and Gasoline
Shared by Strong Valley on March 22, 2022
The Rising Price of Crude Oil and Gasoline
Image of a stop watch for the in-brief section heading
IN BRIEF
Here's a quick look at what's in this article:

What should consumers and investors expect beyond March 2022? The oil market has been uncertain for several reasons. This article looks into factors that affect the price of oil, resulting in gasoline price changes. Add to that all of the products beyond the pump that contain crude oil and you get a better picture of how the cost of energy affects virtually every aspect of the economy.

Important Disclosure: Content on our website and in our newsletters is for informational purposes only. The information provided may (or may not) directly apply to your situation. We recommend that readers work directly with a professional advisor when making decisions in the context of their specific situation.

The stock market in 2022 has seen large declines, beginning with a January drop, followed by a down February, and so far a declining March. Naturally, this volatility makes investors nervous. 

At the center of this volatility has been the price of oil. Oil prices skyrocketed over 50% in 2021 and in the first week of March, leapt a staggering 25% in a single week (the week ended Friday, March 4th).

Consumers and businesses are spending more money on fuel, which drives inflation (cost to get goods to places has to be covered by someone). On the flip side, energy companies are making more money when oil prices rise (Marathon Oil is up over 92% over the past year).

What should consumers and investors expect? 

Steep Run-Up in Gasoline Prices

As we have all seen, gas costs a lot less than it did a year ago.  In March of 2021, a gallon of gas in the U.S. cost about $2.70. We’re seeing that same gallon of gas cost over $4.00! Remember back when filling your car’s tank cost over $35? 

Will the price of oil and gas stay higher than it was last year or will it continue to rise?

Volatile Oil Prices

Why does the price of oil change so much?  The price of oil is affected by so many factors and so many uncertainties.  Oil supplies are down, but demand has risen dramatically, so prices are higher.  The weather, transportation costs (via ship, truck, pipeline, etc.), and taxes also play a big role in oil prices.

The oil market has been uncertain for several reasons. For one, the U.S. is producing less oil, due to a change in our political landscape. International factors also influence the price.  Oil producers have been concerned about the health of the massive Chinese economy, with its high oil demand.  Strife in the Middle East, with ISIS, the Syrian war, and conflict in Iraq, among other things, has caused uncertainty.  And now Russia has invaded Ukraine.

Oil Prices and Gasoline Prices

In a more practical sense, how does the price of oil affect the cost of gasoline?  Pretty directly.  Any change in the price of a barrel of oil directly affects the price of a gallon of gas. 

Barrel of oil.  A barrel of crude oil holds 42 gallons. From this barrel will come about 12 gallons of diesel fuel, 4 gallons of jet fuel, and smaller amounts of  propane, asphalt, motor oil, and various lubricants, along with about 19 gallons of gasoline. So it takes a barrel of oil, on average, to come up with about 1.5 tankfuls of gas in your average, non-diesel car.

Considering all the oil products, each person in the U.S. consumes an average of about 2.5 gallons of crude oil per day, according to the Department of Energy. As a result, the price of a barrel of oil affects each us beyond the pump, too.

Your Financial Advisor

The price of oil has been a major economic factor for years.  The cost of energy affects virtually every aspect of the economy and the market, including our investments. 

The supply of oil will eventually increase, especially as new producers come online and oil-producing countries change their plans.

Your financial advisor will monitor all of these developments and is best source for information about their effect on your investments.

Investing involves risk, including the potential loss of principal. No investment strategy can guarantee a profit or protect against loss in periods of declining values. Past performance does not guarantee future results or even estimates of actual returns a client may achieve. This information is designed to provide general information on the subjects covered. Consult your financial professional before making any investment decision. Opinions and estimates offered are subject to change without notice. We believe the information provided here is reliable, but do not warrant its accuracy or completeness. Please see other important disclosures related to StrongValley.com

Your turn – What would you like to know about The Rising Price of Crude Oil and Gasoline?

Strong Valley wants to provide useful and meaningful information to our clients, to our professional network, and to the broader community of people we serve. We’d love to hear your questions about The Rising Price of Crude Oil and Gasoline or about any other topics you care about. You can call our office directly, or use the contact form below to send us your questions and/or suggestions.  And if you found the information helpful or entertaining, we hope you'll share the Strong Valley story with others.

We love to hear your questions, ideas, and feedback!

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Copyright © 2024 Strong Valley Wealth & Pension, LLC
Investment advice offered through Integrated Partners, doing business as Strong Valley Wealth & Pension, a registered investment advisor. The information on this website has not been approved or verified by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission or by any state securities authority. Registration as an Investment Adviser does not imply a certain level of skill or training. Strong Valley Wealth & Pension, LLC offers some securities through M.S. Howells & Co. Member FINRA/SIPC. M.S. Howells & Co. is not affiliated with Strong Valley Wealth & Pension.
The link you have selected is located on another server. The linked site contains information that has been created, published, maintained, or otherwise posted by institutions or organizations independent of this organization. We do not endorse, approve, certify, or control any linked websites, their sponsors, or any of their policies, activities, products, or services. We do not assume responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of the information contained therein. Visitors to any linked websites should not use or rely on the information contained therein until they have consulted with an independent financial professional. Please click “Continue to Link” to leave this website and proceed to the selected site.