Twenty-two percent of model year 2022 vehicles require premium gasoline.

Require.

Not “Premium Recommended.”

That, according to the U.S. Dept. of Energy.

That number is actually part of a decline in number of vehicles requiring 91 (or higher) octane that started in 2019.

As in:

• 2019: 29%
• 2020: 28%
• 2021: 26%

The last time it was 22% was 2016.

According to AAA, the national average for a gallon of premium fuel is $5.65.

The average price for regular is $4.95.

That’s a 70-cent difference.

So for a 20-gallon fill, that’s a difference of $14.

Of course, those who buy vehicles that require premium can probably afford premium.

Until they can’t.