The three remaining presidential candidates are arguing about how to give Americans price relief at the gas pump.

So it is worth noting that new research from Iowa State University has found that ethanol production has caused retail gasoline prices to be $0.29 to $0.40 per gallon lower than would otherwise be the case.

Those findings echo the assessment of Merrill Lynch commodity strategist Francisco Blanch, who says oil and gasoline prices would be about 15 percent higher if biofuel producers weren't increasing their output.

Either way, it's money you can take to the bank.