The Geographic Distribution of Refineries Refinery concentration is not uniform across the US; instead, it is heavily clustered around key industrial and coastal regions. States like California, Washington, and Illinois also maintain significant refining hubs to serve local and regional fuel demands.
Historical US Refinery Count Peak Decline and Current Numbers
Today’s refineries are far more sophisticated than their predecessors, utilizing advanced catalysis and digital automation to maximize yield and minimize waste. Over time, stricter environmental regulations and the pursuit of higher efficiency led to the closure of older, less productive sites, while remaining facilities underwent massive expansions to increase their throughput.
In the mid-20th century, the number of facilities was significantly higher, with many smaller operations unable to compete with the economies of scale offered by larger plants. This capacity represents roughly 54% of the global refining capacity, underscoring the strategic importance of these facilities in both the domestic economy and the international energy market.
Historical US Refinery Peak: Tracking the Decline in Facility Count
The Gulf Coast states of Texas and Louisiana host the highest density of facilities, benefiting from proximity to major shipping lanes and crude oil imports. As of 2024, there are 132 active petroleum refineries across the country, capable of processing nearly 19 million barrels of crude oil per day.
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