the actual gas you get depends on a whole bunch of factors, seasonal regulations and production/distribution economics being some of them. i was told by a 76 station that their batch of '92' gas was tested at 94 (i didn't have time to investigate, so make of it what you will). in the western states it seems the oil companies 'reserve the right' to supply you lower quality gasoline than in the east, premium being rated consistently 1-2 points lower. i'd venture a guess that it's all the same stuff, they just want some room to account for regulatory differences if need be.