Toluene was slightly more expensive in January than in December but continues to retail slightly below the target price. So, analysts expect producers to continue pushing for a higher per-gallon sales price this quarter—as long as demand and prices of gasoline increase. Reason: Toluene sellers try to keep their price at a 50–55¢ premium over the wholesale (pre-tax) price for unleaded gasoline. The January premium was 49¢, up from 44¢ in December.