Where does your money go at the gas pump?

Our data shows that the net profit margin of gas stations has been increasing each year for the past four years.  The net profit margin was 0.96% in 2007, 1.24% in 2008, 1.63% in 2009, and 2.70% in 2010. A common misconception, however, is that the gas station owners receive a hefty profit from increasing gas prices. The graphic below displays the breakdown of how your money is actually distributed every time you fill up at the pump.