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The U.S. crude oil refining industry: Recent developments, upcoming challenges and prospects for exports

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  • Ruble, Isabella

Abstract

In 2018 the U.S. petroleum refining industry is the largest and most advanced in the world. Continuous consolidations and investments in complex refinery additions have allowed this industry to remain competitive and the shale oil revolution has contributed to the U.S. becoming a net exporter of refined petroleum products in 2008. In light of current and forecasted changes in refined petroleum product demand and worldwide refining capacity additions, the U.S. petroleum refining industry faces new challenges. This paper provides an in-depth study of this industry, presenting past trends, its current state and the effects that a changing U.S. crude oil production has on refiners. Furthermore, a scenario analysis is used to forecast future production levels and the volumes of major refined products available for exports over the years 2017–2032. The competitiveness of current U.S. gasoline and diesel exports is evaluated and forecasted gasoline and diesel demand in current export markets is compared to available export volumes. Major challenges facing refiners by changing market conditions and new regulatory rules are discussed. Finally, a set of recommendations is provided.

Suggested Citation

  • Ruble, Isabella, 2019. "The U.S. crude oil refining industry: Recent developments, upcoming challenges and prospects for exports," The Journal of Economic Asymmetries, Elsevier, vol. 20(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:joecas:v:20:y:2019:i:c:s1703494919300714
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jeca.2019.e00132
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Wang, Kai-Hua & Liu, Lu & Li, Xin & Oana-Ramona, Lobonţ, 2022. "Do oil price shocks drive unemployment? Evidence from Russia and Canada," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 253(C).
    2. Ruble, Isabella & Powell, John, 2021. "The Brent-WTI spread revisited: A novel approach," The Journal of Economic Asymmetries, Elsevier, vol. 23(C).
    3. Manfroni, Michele & Bukkens, Sandra G.F. & Giampietro, Mario, 2022. "Securing fuel demand with unconventional oils: A metabolic perspective," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 261(PB).
    4. Ghoddusi, Hamed & Moghaddam, Hussein & Wirl, Franz, 2022. "Going downstream – An economical option for oil and gas exporting countries?," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 161(C).
    5. Balashova, Svetlana & Serletis, Apostolos, 2020. "Oil prices shocks and the Russian economy," The Journal of Economic Asymmetries, Elsevier, vol. 21(C).

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