EIA: “With the recent rise in gasoline and diesel fuel prices, many consumers have questions about what contributes to the price they pay for these products at the retail pump. While crude oil prices, refining costs, and distribution and marketing expenses account for a significant portion of the final retail price, taxes also explain an appreciable portion of that price, accounting for 10-13% of total retail prices in 2011. State-level taxes on motor fuels vary widely, ranging from less than 10 cents per gallon to a high of over 43 cents per gallon. EIA estimates the average for state excise and sales taxes on gasoline for on-highway use is nearly 25 cents per gallon, as of January 2012.”