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MTBE is only added during the winter months. The summer gas supply normally doesn't have it. All they need to do is make "summer" gas all the time. The gas prices are spiking anyway. Prices in San Diego were $1.23 on 2-18-02 and are running $1.51 now at the same station. In Pocatello, ID the prices were at $1.02 and went to $1.19 overnight.

MTBE is roughly 11% by volume, and in Ca it is year round for years now. The winter thing was superseded about 1995 to year round. Anytime the refineries have a meltdown, prices rocket upwards almost immediately, and anytime an oil shortage is news day speak, prices go up! I have been watching Chevron on Hwy 99/Briggsmore in Modesto, and nearly every other day, the price has gone up. Now today, this after noon, it is 1.51, and Costco is 1.45. In San Jose, prices are from 1.35 and up. Heard in Ill. about 1.89. Go figure, it is OPEC, and other factors. But regardless, MTBE should be phased out along with ethanol too! But the lobbyist will get there way as long as Ol Grayout can climb his treasure chest to 50 mil to beat Simon.