Winter-Grade Gas OK'd Early by EPA

Energy Secretary Spencer Abraham said the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) would
immediately allow refiners to switch to making winter-blend gasoline, several days ahead of
the traditional switchover date. Winter-grade gasoline is more prone to vapor lock than
summer blends. Although the nation’s fuel supplies were tight shortly after the September
11th terrorist attacks, reduced demand boosted supplies and reduced prices. Abraham would
not speculate whether U.S. oil supplies could be disrupted or if prices would increase as a
result of military action taken against those responsible for the attacks.