As of September 2024, the rack price of ethanol was $1.84 versus $2.40 for unleaded 87–octane gasoline—a difference of 56 cents per gallon. The average ethanol rack price was seven cents lower from last month's price and 60 cents lower from last year. Unleaded 87–octane gasoline's average rack price was 16 cents lower than last month's price and 84 cents lower from last year. Unleaded 84–octane gasoline's average rack price was 15 cents lower from last month's price and 75 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.