Recent fuel pricing factors in the U.S.

• U.S. regular-grade retail gasoline prices averaged $2.81 per gallon in the second quarter of 2010, and $2.76 per gallon for the first half of 2010. 
• The global price of crude oil is the primary determinant of the price at the pump.  Rising crude oil prices are reflecting global demand from a recovering world economy.  In May 2010, U.S. regular-grade retail gasoline prices averaged $2.84 per gallon.  According to the Energy Information Administration, crude oil costs made up 64 percent of the cost of gasoline, manufacturing and marketing costs were 22 percent, and taxes comprised 14 percent of the average U.S. retail price for regular gasoline.

• Combined state and federal taxes add about 48 cents per gallon to the price at the pump.  In states like New York, Hawaii and California, these combined taxes exceed 60 cents per gallon.