It seems odd that in a state currently experiencing an oil boom, there could be a shortage of gasoline without ethanol, but it’s true according to a recent article by State Impact Oklahoma. Pure gasoline is in short supply in the Central United States, and that includes Oklahoma.
The industry says the reason for the short supply is a federal mandate, the Renewable Fuels Standard, which was finalized in August. The standard requires refiners to produce blended fuels.
Advocates of the standard’s biofuel levels say it decreases dependence on foreign oil as well as promotes alternative energy sources. Opponents, like the American Petroleum Institute, say that logic is flawed and ethanol is hard on engines.