US gasoline markets tightened through May as seasonal demand strengthened and supply-side frictions escalated the risk premium. Hormuz-related disruptions and higher seaborne logistics costs supported tighter conditions for crude and blends, while spring driving lifted retail consumption. Mid-month inventory draws, and stronger export flows further tightened domestic availability, and several refineries operated at reduced throughput due to scheduled maintenance and unplanned run-cuts. Collectively these factors produced an upward bias for Gulf Coast gasoline into late May, indicating higher gasoline prices. Demand across transportation sectors, especially passenger vehicle and tourism-related traffic, underpinned tight gasoline blending pools and intensified competition for Gulf cargoes. Commercial transport and freight demand remained supportive, with export orders from Latin America adding lift. Refiners faced higher crude costs as Brent-linked grades sharpened and Hormuz disruptions persisted. The gasoline market trajectory remains constructive: analysts see a continued rise into June. After midsummer peak, expectations shift toward softening as refinery utilization stabilizes and seasonal demand moderates.
