Why Do Gas Prices Vary So Much?

Experts said there really is no pattern to when stations change their prices. Some companies try to keep a regular schedule, while others do it sporadically.

So where does the price you pay for a gallon of gas go?

According to the Department of Energy, 46 percent pays for crude oil, 22 percent goes to federal and state taxes, 21 percent goes to the cost of refining oil and 11 percent goes to distribution and marketing.