Gasoline is a chemical cocktail comprised of many ingredients
Chief amongst these is Benzene which is added to gasoline to increase octane levels whilst also giving gas its characteristic gassy smell.
Naturally a sweet smell Benzene is also quite pungent.
So getting to the WHY, there are 2 strong reasons WHY some people cannot get enough of the stuff:
1 – Emotion Says Sniffing on the gas is bringing back pleasant memories such as filling up the tank before heading out on a family road trip, or some excitement you may have had around a bike, a boat or even the plane.
2 – Science Says whiffing on the gas is firing up your mesolimbic pathway. What this means is that Benzene may be dancing on your olfactory nerve endings, resulting in a slight head tingle.
What is the true answer? Possibly a touch of both?
Vroom Vroom
Speaking of smells. Have a go at T/M/B Jars of Smells.
The ultimate tool for fine-tuning your schnoz. Play this as a game with friends, the expressions will be completely grammable.
Includes smells like Honey, Rain, Garbage, Gasoline, Chocolate & Fresh Cut Grass….a completely randomized set in every box guaranteed!
– Ed
Research Source – https://www.discovermagazine.com/health/why-some-people-love-the-smell-of-gasoline