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United States Midwest refinery interruptions increases summer fuel prices, EIA says

A series of refinery interruptions in the U.S. Midwest triggered regional fuel costs to spike to more than 20% above the nationwide average from July 22 to Aug. 5 during the highdemand summer driving season, the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) stated on Thursday.

WHY IT IS ESSENTIAL

The production of gasoline, diesel, and other refined petroleum products was struck hard by unexpected blackouts during a. crucial demand duration as drivers took to the roadway for summer season. vacations.

Exxon Mobil closed down its 251,800-barrel-per-day. refinery at Joliet, Illinois, in mid-July due to a power outage. after a storm. The refinery rebooted earlier this month.

In Ohio, Cenovus' 183,000-bpd Lima and 150,800-bpd. Toledo refineries both skilled functional issues in late. July.

Midwest refinery utilization fell 11% to 86% from the week. ending July 12 to the week ending Aug. 9, according to the EIA.

As these refineries rebooted, usage climbed up back up. 97% since the week ending Aug. 16, the EIA stated.

CONTEXT

Decreased refinery usage resulted in substantial draws. in Midwest fuel stocks.

Retail gas rates in the Midwest, which generally are. lower than the national average, remained raised for three weeks. following the blackouts, the EIA said, marking the closest the. regional average retail price had actually been to the nationwide average. considering that November 2022.

BY THE NUMBERS

In Chicago, typical retail gas rates were more than. 20% higher than the nationwide average from July 22 to Aug. 5,. according to EIA data.

At the end July, Chicago retail prices were 23% greater than. the U.S. average, the biggest portion price premium for the. city in any week given that 2015.

Instantly after the Joliet refinery went offline, Midwest. gas stocks drew down by 2 million barrels, falling. below 2023 levels.

As regional refineries returned to service, the Midwest saw a. 1.3 million-barrel integrate in gas stocks in the week of. Aug. 16.

(source: Reuters)