I feel it's more than gouging and making excess profits. I believe they're trying to make up for the enormous losses they suffered during lockdown when no one was driving and gas was dipping to under $2/gallon.
I get decent mileage in the MINI. Over the last three months the average has been 28 MPG. Unfortunately, Rabbit has expensive tastes and will only drink Premium. I filled up a week ago and it was $6.29/gallon.
I try not to let the tank get under half full in order to minimize per visit sticker shock at the pump; I at least have the illusion that I'm basically spending the same amount as I used to when I did fill the tank to full from near empty.