Regan Brown
The price of 100LL fuel, used by small aircraft, has been a topic of discussion among pilots and aviation enthusiasts. In the past, 100LL fuel was roughly twice the price of regular unleaded fuel, but the correlation between the prices of the two types of fuel seems to have changed in recent years. The cost of 100LL fuel varies across different regions, with prices reported to be as low as $5.93 and as high as $7.65 per gallon in the United States.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Average cost of 100LL fuel | $5.10 per gallon |
| Cost in the Midwest | $7+ per gallon |
| Cost in Indiana | $6.48 per gallon |
| Cost in the FAA Central region | $5.93 per gallon |
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What You'll Learn
100LL fuel price fluctuations
As of July 8, 2025, the national average price for 100LL aircraft fuel in the US was $6.51 per gallon. This price, however, is subject to fluctuations and varies across different regions.
The 100LL fuel price in the US varies depending on the region, with the FAA Alaska region typically reporting the highest prices and the FAA Central region reporting the lowest. For instance, on the aforementioned date, while the national average price was $6.51 per gallon, the FAA Alaska region reported an average price of $10.28, whereas the FAA Central region reported an average price of $5.93.
Several factors influence the price fluctuations of 100LL fuel. One significant factor is the cost of crude oil, which is the primary feedstock for producing aviation fuel. The price of crude oil is determined by global supply and demand dynamics and can be volatile due to various economic, geopolitical, and market factors. Additionally, the complexity and costs associated with refining crude oil into aviation-grade fuel, such as 100LL, can also impact the final price.
The distribution and logistics of delivering fuel to various airports and regions can also contribute to price variations. The transportation and storage of 100LL fuel incur costs, and remote or less accessible regions may experience higher prices due to the additional logistics involved. Furthermore, local taxes, regulations, and market competition among fuel providers can also influence the price fluctuations observed across different regions.
It is important to monitor reliable sources for the most up-to-date information on 100LL fuel prices, as the data may change over time due to various economic and industry factors.
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Regional price variations
In contrast, the FAA Central region reported the lowest 100LL fuel prices, with an average of $5.93 per gallon. This is closer to the average price of around $5.10 per gallon that is suggested by some sources for 100LL fuel in the US. However, prices can vary significantly between airports, even within the same region. For example, one pilot mentioned their home airport's 100LL fuel price being $7.65 per gallon, which is significantly higher than the average in their region.
The Western US also appears to have higher prices, with one pilot from this region sharing that their burn rate is 11 gallons per hour, and they expect to need 12 gallons per hour for planning and fuel stop purposes. At these rates, the cost of fuel can quickly add up, even with small price differences.
These regional variations in 100LL fuel prices can be influenced by various factors, including local demand, the frequency of refuelling, and the cost of raw materials used in the refining process.
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Comparison to Jet-A1 fuel prices
100LL fuel is consistently more expensive than Jet-A1 fuel. This is due to a combination of supply and demand, as well as the costs associated with manufacturing and transportation.
Jet-A1 fuel is used in significantly higher quantities, which leads to economies of scale. The distillation process for jet fuel is also more straightforward and requires less refining than 100LL fuel, making it cheaper to produce. Jet fuel can be transported via pipeline, which is a very affordable method for moving large volumes of fuel over long distances. In contrast, 100LL fuel cannot be transported via pipeline due to its lead content and must be shipped by rail or truck, which is significantly more expensive.
As of July 2025, the national average price for jet fuel in the US was $6.26 per gallon, while the national average price for 100LL aircraft fuel was $6.51 per gallon. In January 2022, the price of Jet-A1 was approximately $816 per metric tonne, or $0.82 per KG. The price of jet fuel is closely aligned with the price of oil, which fluctuates daily.
It is worth noting that the prices airlines pay for fuel can vary substantially due to hedging practices. Hedging involves agreeing on a constant price for fuel for a set period, allowing airlines to reduce risks and fixed costs. For example, an airline might hedge 5 million tonnes of fuel at $600 per metric tonne for 12 months, protecting them from price increases but also resulting in higher costs if the fuel price drops.
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Historical price context
The price of 100LL fuel has been subject to fluctuations over time, with various factors influencing its cost. In the late 1990s and early 2000s, for instance, there was a noticeable correlation between the price of 100LL and regular unleaded fuel. During this period, 87 octane fuel was priced around $1.25 per gallon, while 100LL was double that at $2.50 per gallon. However, in recent times, this direct correlation between the two types of fuel has not been as apparent.
In 2022, prices for 100LL fuel varied across different regions and time frames. In one instance, a pilot reported a price of $6.90 per gallon two weeks prior, expressing pleasant surprise at the current price of $6.48 per gallon. In the Midwest, prices were reported to be generally above $7 per gallon, and these prices continued to rise over a few weeks. In contrast, the FAA Central region reported the lowest 100LL price at an average of $5.93.
Comparatively, Jet-A1 fuel, used in jet aircraft, has been priced between $1.50 and $4.30 per gallon according to various sources. This highlights a significant price difference between Jet-A1 and 100LL fuel, which is likely due to the specialized nature and lower demand for 100LL. The price of 100LL is also influenced by the batch production process in refineries, where high raw stock prices can result in prolonged periods of elevated 100LL prices, even when market prices for raw stock decrease.
The cost of 100LL fuel has been a concern for pilots and aircraft owners, impacting their operational costs and flying habits. The price fluctuations and regional variations in 100LL fuel prices have led to discussions and speculations about future price movements within the aviation community.
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Impact of raw stock prices
The price of 100LL fuel is influenced by various factors, including the cost of raw stock and demand. The impact of raw stock prices on 100LL fuel costs can be significant, as highlighted by a comment on a Reddit thread: "If the spot price for the raw stock is at a high level, then the output 100LL holds that high price, even when the market price for the raw stock goes down." This dynamic is further influenced by the relatively low production volume of 100LL fuel compared to automotive gas, which affects the frequency of price adjustments.
For example, in the early 2000s, 100LL fuel was consistently twice the price of regular unleaded automotive fuel. However, more recently, 100LL prices have been known to fluctuate independently of automotive gas prices. This can be attributed to the batch production of 100LL fuel, which means that its price can remain high even if the market price of raw stock decreases shortly after production. Conversely, if raw stock prices decrease and refineries produce a new batch of 100LL fuel, the cost of 100LL can decrease and remain low even if automotive gas prices increase.
The impact of raw stock prices on 100LL fuel costs can also vary across regions. For instance, as of August 2022, the FAA Central region reported the lowest 100LL fuel price at an average of $5.93, while an individual commenter on the same Reddit thread mentioned prices as high as $7.65 per gallon at their home airport. These variations in price may be influenced by regional differences in raw stock prices, as well as other factors such as demand, transportation costs, and local taxes.
The dynamic relationship between raw stock prices and 100LL fuel costs can have significant implications for aviation enthusiasts and businesses. For example, pilots may opt to refuel at specific airports or wait for price adjustments before purchasing fuel. Additionally, the overall cost of flying can be influenced by fluctuations in 100LL fuel prices, impacting the accessibility and affordability of aviation as a hobby or mode of transportation.
In summary, the impact of raw stock prices on 100LL fuel costs is complex and dynamic. The batch production nature of 100LL fuel can lead to price discrepancies, with the cost of 100LL fuel not always reflecting the current market price of raw stock. Regional variations and the relatively low production volume of 100LL fuel further contribute to the unpredictable nature of 100LL fuel pricing. As a result, individuals and businesses involved in aviation must navigate these fluctuations and make informed decisions regarding their fuel purchases.
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Frequently asked questions
The cost of 100LL fuel in the US varies across the country. In the Midwest, it is reportedly around $7 per gallon. The lowest price is in the FAA Central region, where it is $5.93 per gallon on average.
100LL fuel typically costs more than Jet-A1. While the price of Jet-A1 varies from $1.5 to $4.3 per gallon, 100LL fuel is priced at around $5.1 per gallon.
It appears that the price of 100LL fuel is subject to change and can drop or rise over time. Some sources indicate that the price has been decreasing recently.
