Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the significant disparity in fuel prices across different regions in China, emphasizing the impact of transportation costs and refinery distribution on these price differences [3][4]. Price Disparity - Fuel prices in China vary dramatically, with 98-octane gasoline priced at 9.53 yuan per liter in Shanghai, while in Gansu, the same fuel costs only 8.10 yuan per liter, leading to a nearly 100 yuan difference for a full tank [4]. - In Hainan, the price of 92-octane gasoline reaches 8.18 yuan, which is 1.3 yuan more expensive than in Xinjiang, causing local drivers to express frustration over high costs [4]. Factors Behind Price Differences - High transportation costs are a primary reason for elevated fuel prices in regions like Tibet and Hainan, where gasoline incurs additional costs of up to 1 yuan per liter due to long-distance land transport and shipping [4]. - In contrast, areas like Xinjiang and Ningxia benefit from local refinery concentration, maintaining lower prices around 6.8 yuan per liter for 92-octane gasoline [4]. Price Forecast - Positive news from the international oil market indicates a potential decrease in domestic fuel prices, with experts predicting a reduction of 0.1-0.2 yuan per liter for 92 and 95-octane gasoline during the upcoming price adjustment window on October 27 [4]. - For instance, if the price of 92-octane gasoline in Beijing drops from 7.06 yuan to 6.9 yuan per liter, filling a 50-liter tank would save 8 yuan [4]. Cost-Saving Tips - Drivers in high-price areas like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou are advised to consider using 95-octane gasoline, which is typically 0.4 yuan cheaper per liter than 98-octane, leading to significant annual savings [5]. - Some gas stations in Shandong and Jiangsu offer credit card discounts, allowing drivers to save 0.3 yuan per liter, which can accumulate to substantial savings over a month [5]. - In Yunnan and Sichuan, filling up on weekend evenings can yield savings of 0.05-0.1 yuan per liter compared to weekdays [6].

Group 1 - The core viewpoint of the article is the significant drop in the price of 98 octane gasoline across China, with varying prices in different regions and the implications for consumers [1][2][6]. Group 2 - Nationwide, the price of 98 octane gasoline has decreased, with specific prices listed for various regions, such as Beijing at 9.07 CNY/liter and Gansu at 8.16 CNY/liter, highlighting a clear price disparity across the country [2]. - The reasons for the price differences include transportation costs, local tax policies, and supply-demand dynamics in different regions [4]. - The decrease in gasoline prices directly benefits consumers by lowering fuel costs, with potential savings of 10 to 25 CNY for a full tank, and may also lead to reduced logistics costs, indirectly affecting the prices of goods [6][10]. - Recommendations for consumers include choosing the appropriate gasoline grade for their vehicles, with 92 octane being sufficient for many cars, and employing strategies to save on fuel costs [9][10]. - Future oil price trends are expected to remain volatile but within a controlled range, influenced by international crude prices, currency exchange rates, and geopolitical factors [13].