And the hits keep coming...

(NEXSTAR) – You may think inflation and the war in Ukraine are what’s driving up gas prices this spring – and yes, they are – but they aren’t the only forces at play. One environmental regulation is also causing gas prices to rise, and it happens every year as the seasons change. 

The Environmental Protection Agency requires a different blend of gasoline be sold in the summer months than in the winter months. The summer blend has lower volatility, which means it’s less likely to evaporate while sitting in your car’s gas tank in the heat — and therefore less likely to emit harmful fumes into the atmosphere. Winter gas has higher volatility, making it easier to ignite and start your car in frigid temperatures.

MORE