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Spatial variability in retail gasoline markets

Author

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  • Jing Xu

    (University of California of Santa Barbara)

  • Alan T. Murray

    (University of California of Santa Barbara)

Abstract

Retail gasoline prices continue to be of much interest to the public, with significant economic implications. Of course, pricing too has considerable influence on human behavioral patterns of movement, particularly travel. While national and state gasoline prices may vary, they are largely tied to fairly predictable factors, including the price of crude oil, weather, political stability, and refinery production capabilities, among others. However, local and regional gasoline prices can vary considerably. Capabilities for better understanding and predicting variation in gasoline retail prices are both informative and necessary, particularly with respect to spatial factors. This paper explores characteristics related to gasoline price differences across a region. Of particular interest is assessing price gouging behavior, especially the targeting of disadvantaged groups. A spatial analytic framework that incorporates exploratory spatial data analysis, remote sensing, geographic information systems and spatial statistics is proposed to investigate the impact of local market conditions on regional retail prices of gasoline.

Suggested Citation

  • Jing Xu & Alan T. Murray, 2019. "Spatial variability in retail gasoline markets," Asia-Pacific Journal of Regional Science, Springer, vol. 3(2), pages 581-603, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:apjors:v:3:y:2019:i:2:d:10.1007_s41685-019-00104-z
    DOI: 10.1007/s41685-019-00104-z
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    Cited by:

    1. Yasushi Asami & Jean-Claude Thill, 2019. "Special feature section on spatial analysis and modeling," Asia-Pacific Journal of Regional Science, Springer, vol. 3(2), pages 517-519, June.

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