Eighty-eight percent of all commuters drive by themselves to work—the rest take public transport (4%), carpool (3%), walk (3%) and use car services (1%)—and 93% of those who drive use their cars during the day beyond their commute. In general, consumers tend to fill up when they are low on gas, but convenience plays a role in when and where they stop.

Time constraints may make morning gas purchases less likely, with most consumers buying gas midday (37%) or in the afternoon/evening (35%). Midday has grown in preference since 2014.

For more on fuel purchase behavior, how fuel price is determined, how refineries resume operations after a disaster—and anything else related to the retail fuels market—visit www.convenience.org/fuels and our Fuels Resource Center.

Q: When do you typically decide to buy gas?