Regan Brown
Avgas, or aviation gasoline, is a type of fuel used in piston-engine aircraft. As of 2024, the annual US consumption of avgas was 180 million US gallons, most of which was leaded. The price of avgas varies depending on the region and the type of fuel. For example, the national average price for jet fuel in the US is $6.26 per gallon, while the national average price for 100LL aircraft fuel is $6.50 per gallon. In contrast, the global average jet fuel price for a week in 2023 was $89.75 per barrel.
Avgas Fuel Characteristics
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Density at 15°C (59°F) | 6.01 pounds per US gallon (720 g/L) |
| Density at −40°C (−40°F) | 6.41 pounds per US gallon (768 g/L) |
| Emission coefficient | 18.355 pounds of CO2 per US gallon (2.1994 kg/L) |
| Annual US usage (as of 2024) | 180 million US gallons (680,000 m3) |
| National average price for 100LL aircraft fuel | $6.50 per gallon |
| National average price for Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) | $8.75 per gallon |
| Global average jet fuel price (as of last week) | $89.75/bbl |
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What You'll Learn
Avgas fuel prices vary across US regions
Regional demand and supply dynamics also contribute to the varying avgas fuel prices across US regions. According to GlobalAir.com, the FAA Alaska region typically reports higher jet fuel and 100LL aircraft fuel prices compared to other regions. For example, as of July 5, 2025, the FAA Alaska region had the highest jet fuel price at an average of $8.12 per gallon, while the FAA Central region reported the lowest price at $5.53 per gallon. These price variations may be attributed to factors such as transportation costs, local taxes, and the availability of fuel sources within each region.
The availability of alternative fuels and the transition to more sustainable options can also impact avgas fuel prices. In recent years, there has been a push for aircraft to convert to diesel engines that use jet fuel, which is more readily available and often less expensive. Additionally, the development of unleaded aviation fuels, such as GAMI's G100UL and Shell Oil's unleaded 100 octane fuel, offers environmentally friendly alternatives to leaded avgas. However, the price of unleaded options is expected to be similar or higher than existing leaded fuels.
It's worth noting that avgas fuel prices are influenced by global energy markets and can fluctuate over time. The Jet Fuel Price Index, published by S&P Global Platts, provides daily assessments of jet fuel spot prices in relevant regional centers. This index takes into account market holidays and demand variations, reflecting the dynamic nature of fuel pricing. While historical price data may not always be available, organizations like GlobalAir.com and IATA provide resources to help users stay informed about current aviation fuel prices across different US regions.
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Avgas density and temperature correlation
Avgas, or aviation gasoline, is a type of fuel used in aircraft with spark-ignited internal combustion engines. It is distinct from the conventional gasoline used in motor vehicles, which is typically unleaded and formulated to allow the use of catalytic converters for pollution reduction. While avgas prices are not readily available, its grades are identified by two numbers associated with its Motor Octane Number (MON).
Regarding the correlation between avgas density and temperature, it is important to note that density and temperature are interdependent. As temperature increases, volume increases, and density decreases. This relationship is reflected in the coefficient of thermal expansion, which for jet fuel is given as 0.95 - 1.00 per degree Celsius. This means that a 1000 cc sample of jet fuel at 15 degrees Celsius weighing 800 grams will have a volume of 990 cc at 5 degrees Celsius, and a volume of 1010 cc at 25 degrees Celsius, while the weight remains constant.
Tools and standards such as ASTM D 1250-04 and IP 200/04 (from the API Manual of Petroleum Measurement Standards) provide correlations for jet fuel density and temperature. These standards include charts and correction factors that allow for the calculation of jet fuel volume at a specific temperature when the density and volume at another temperature are known. For example, using the correction factor for jet fuel with a density of 757 kg/m3 at 100°C, the volume at 15°C can be calculated as 92 liters.
The impact of fuel density on aircraft range and fuel capacity is significant. A Gulfstream GV study found that each 10°F increase in fuel temperature reduced the GV's fuel capacity by 200 lbs. This variation in fuel density can make the difference between an aircraft completing a long-haul flight or having to stop for refueling. Therefore, understanding fuel density is crucial, especially for flights operating out of certain regions, such as Asia.
In summary, the correlation between avgas density and temperature is essential for aviation operations, as it directly impacts fuel capacity and aircraft range. While tools and standards provide methods for calculating jet fuel density and volume at specific temperatures, the specific density of avgas may vary due to factors such as distillation processes and the inclusion of additives.
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Leaded vs unleaded avgas
Avgas, or aviation gasoline, is a type of fuel used in piston-engine aircraft. As of 2024, the annual US usage of avgas was 180 million US gallons, most of which contained lead. The price of avgas varies depending on the region and the specific type of fuel, with the national average price for 100LL aircraft fuel being $6.50 per gallon.
Leaded vs. Unleaded Avgas:
The most significant difference between leaded and unleaded avgas is the presence of lead in the former. Leaded avgas, also known as 100LL (Low Lead), contains tetraethyllead (TEL), a substance added to boost octane levels and prevent engine knocking in high-performance aircraft engines. However, concerns about the environmental and health impacts of lead have led to the development of unleaded alternatives. Unleaded avgas, such as UL91 and UL94, are designed to offer similar performance and octane ratings while being more environmentally friendly, safer, and sustainable.
Another difference between leaded and unleaded avgas lies in their storage and handling requirements. Leaded avgas requires special storage and handling considerations due to its lead content, as it can contaminate storage tanks and pipelines. In contrast, transitioning to unleaded avgas is generally cleaner and more straightforward.
It is worth noting that some aircraft engines are designed to use leaded fuels and may require modifications to use unleaded gasoline. However, some reciprocating-engine aircraft can burn unleaded gasoline if a special oil additive is used. Additionally, the use of unleaded auto fuels in engines designed for leaded fuels can result in excessive exhaust valve seat wear due to the lack of lead.
The aviation industry is gradually shifting towards unleaded avgas to address environmental concerns, reduce health risks, and promote sustainability. This transition may require a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) or Service Bulletin (SB) to ensure compatibility between the aircraft's engine and the new fuel type.
While unleaded avgas offers several benefits, there are challenges in developing new formulations that meet the specifications and performance requirements of aviation fuel. Additionally, the consumer cost of unleaded avgas may be higher, which could impact the personal power plane market.
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Avgas usage in the US
Avgas, or aviation gasoline, is a type of fuel used in piston-engine aircraft. In the US, the annual usage of avgas was around 180 million US gallons in 2024, most of which contained lead. This number has decreased over the years; in 2008, the annual US consumption of avgas was 186 million US gallons. From 1983 to 2008, US avgas usage declined by approximately 7.5 million US gallons each year.
The price of avgas varies across the US. The national average price for 100LL aircraft fuel is $6.50 per gallon, while the national average price for jet fuel is $6.26 per gallon. The FAA Alaska region reports the highest jet fuel price at an average of $8.12, while the FAA Central region has the lowest price at an average of $5.53.
Avgas has a high emission coefficient, producing about 3.07 units of weight of CO2 per unit weight of fuel used. The main petroleum component used in blending avgas is alkylate, which is a mixture of various isooctanes. Some refineries also use reformate. The density of avgas varies with temperature, ranging from 6.01 pounds per US gallon at 15°C to 6.41 pounds per US gallon at −40°C.
In recent years, there has been a push to develop unleaded aviation fuels as an alternative to leaded avgas. For example, in 2024, GAMI introduced G100UL, an unleaded 100 octane fuel. However, concerns have been raised about material compatibility, including fuel leaks and paint issues. Additionally, Shell Oil announced an unleaded 100 octane fuel in 2013, which is expected to be certified in the coming years.
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Avgas alternatives
Avgas, or aviation gasoline, is a fuel used in aircraft with piston engines. As of 2024, the annual usage of avgas in the US was 180 million US gallons, most of which contained lead. The price of avgas varies depending on the region and the type of fuel, with 100LL aircraft fuel costing around $6.50 per gallon on average in the US.
Due to health, environmental, and financial concerns, there is a growing trend to move away from leaded avgas and towards unleaded alternatives. Here are some of the alternatives to avgas that are currently available or in development:
UL94
UL94 is an unleaded avgas alternative with a 94 octane rating. It is manufactured by Swift Fuels and has been available since 2015. UL94 is safe, FAA-approved, and can coexist in fuel tanks with 100LL. It can be used as a direct replacement for 100LL in some aircraft, although not all aircraft are compatible with UL94.
G100UL
G100UL is another unleaded avgas alternative that has been gaining attention. GAMI, the developer of G100UL, announced that 1 million gallons of the fuel had been produced as of April 2024. The fuel was made available at selected airports in California, with plans to expand to the rest of the country by 2026. However, some concerns have been raised regarding material compatibility, including fuel leaks and paint issues.
Shell Oil's Unleaded 100 Octane Fuel
In December 2013, Shell Oil announced the development of an unleaded 100 octane fuel. The fuel is alkylate-based with an additive package of aromatics. It is expected to undergo FAA testing and certification, but no information has been released regarding its performance, producibility, or price.
Diesel Engines Burning Jet Fuel
High avgas prices have encouraged some aircraft operators to convert to diesel engines that burn jet fuel. Jet fuel is more readily available, less expensive, and has advantages for aviation use. Kerosene-based jet fuel is formulated to suit the requirements of turbine engines, which have no octane requirement and operate over a wider flight envelope than piston engines.
Unleaded Avgas in Textron Cessna Models
In October 2021, Textron Aviation announced the approval of unleaded avgas in some of their popular Cessna models. No hardware modifications are needed, and the necessary parts and instructions for installing fuel placards for very-low lead and unleaded fuels have been provided.
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Frequently asked questions
The national average price for 100LL aircraft fuel is $6.50 per gallon.
Avgas has a density of 6.01 pounds per US gallon (720 g/L) at 15 °C (59 °F).
The global average jet fuel price was $89.75 per gallon last week, a 7.4% decrease from the week before.
