Consequently, the physical infrastructure of the 128 refineries is more advanced and capable than ever, even as the raw count has decreased over the past half-century. The West Coast, including California, Washington, and Oregon, operates a smaller number of refineries, serving distinct regional markets with strict environmental specifications.
How Many Refineries Remain in the United States
Furthermore, the closure of refineries in regions like the Northeast and the permanent idling of units in states like Ohio reflect a permanent shift in the geographic center of gravity for US oil processing. Refinery Runs and Utilization Rates Quantity alone does not tell the full story; the activity level of these facilities is equally important.
The composition of crude oil feeds processed has also shifted, moving from light, sweet crude to heavier, sour crude from sources like Canadian oil sands and tight US formations. During periods of high demand, such as summer driving seasons, utilization rates can approach 95%, pushing the infrastructure to its limits.
How Many Refineries Remain United States
Gulf Coast: Home to the largest refineries, accounting for over 50% of total US refining capacity. The concentration of this capacity is not random, but is tied to historical port access, crude oil production regions, and major consumption hubs.
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