As of February 2023, the rack price of ethanol was $2.29 versus $2.71 for unleaded 87–octane gasoline—a difference of 42 cents per gallon. The average ethanol rack price dropped seven cents from last month's price but was 12 cents higher from last year. Unleaded 87–octane gasoline's average rack price fell six cents from last month's price and was eight cents lower from last year. Unleaded 84–octane gasoline's average rack price fell five cents compared to last month's price and was 15 cents lower from last year.
In Figure 1, the average annual rack prices for each type of fuel are shown.
In Table 1 and Table 2 below, average ethanol and unleaded 87–octane gasoline rack prices per gallon, F.O.B. Omaha, are given for each month with an average annual rack price for each year from 1982 to the present.
In Table 3, average unleaded 84–octane gasoline rack prices per gallon, F.O.B. Omaha, are given for each month with an average annual rack price for each year from 2015 to the present.
Note: A new reporting method for fuel ethanol prices to include the RIN started in April 2021. January through March 2021 have also been revised using the new method so that the whole year will be consistent.
A general rule of thumb:
An increase or decrease in the gasoline rack price is a clear
indication of the direction of the gasoline price at the pump.