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US EPA grants fuel waiver to Midwest states impacted by Joliet refinery shutdown

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on Thursday released an emergency waiver to help minimize fuel shortages in four states where the supply of gas has been impacted by the shutdown of the Exxon Mobil Refinery in Joliet, Illinois.

Exxon Mobil closed down its 251,800 barrel-per-day refinery at Joliet, Illinois, last month due to a power interruption after a storm. Although power was brought back to the refinery by July 24, it is likely to take the company at least a couple of weeks to restart the center.

The EPA's waiver, which applies to Michigan, Wisconsin, Indiana and Illinois, suspends federal rules needing the sale of low Reid Vapor Pressure gas during the summer season.

Greater RVP fuels evaporate more easily and are linked to ozone pollution and smog.

The waiver uses through Aug. 20, the EPA said. It comes in action to demands from governors of the 4 states.

Wholesale and retail gasoline costs have risen in the Chicago market as a result of the refinery interruption. The Chicago market is the main center for trading of fine-tuned products in the Midwest.

Fuel stockpiles in the U.S. Midwest declined by 2.3 million barrels over the previous 2 weeks to 45.81 million barrels by July 26, the lowest given that November.

(source: Reuters)