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Reid Vapor Pressure (RVP)

Trading Term

Reid Vapor Pressure (RVP) is a measure of gasoline volatility, defined as the pressure exerted by a gasoline sample at 100°F (37.8°C) in a sealed chamber. It reflects how easily the fuel vaporizes, which is critical for engine performance and environmental compliance. Higher RVP indicates more volatile fuel, which can improve cold starts in winter but contributes to increased emissions and smog formation in warmer weather.

RVP standards are regulated seasonally by environmental agencies such as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to reduce air pollution. In the summer months, gasoline with lower RVP is mandated to limit the release of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which contribute to ground-level ozone. Refiners must adjust their blending processes accordingly, which affects production costs and regional supply dynamics.

In energy markets, RVP specifications influence the trading of gasoline futures and spot contracts. Traders monitor RVP compliance to assess refining margins, regional pricing spreads, and logistical constraints. For example, RBOB (Reformulated Blendstock for Oxygenate Blending) gasoline futures traded on NYMEX use standardized RVP specs to benchmark U.S. gasoline prices. Understanding RVP is thus essential for both environmental policy and commodity market participants.

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