Skip to main content
U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Product imports, energy security and the domestic refining industry

Technical Report ·
OSTI ID:5599892

This study examines the energy security threat posed by recent reductions in domestic refining capacity and by petroleum product imports. The study reviews refinery economics during price controls, and analyzes the effects of competition from the Middle East and North African refineries and the energy security effects of product import tariffs through 1988. The analysis indicates that total domestic refining capacity and the expected level of product imports will not pose an energy security threat to the US. No further significant net closures of refining capacity are expected through 1988. There is sufficient excess refining capacity in the US and in other major petroleum refining centers to refine the available crude oil in the event of a product supply disruption in the Middle East and North Africa.

Research Organization:
USDOE Office of Policy, Planning and Analysis, Washington, DC. Office of Economic Analysis
OSTI ID:
5599892
Report Number(s):
DOE/PE-0075; ON: DE86013427
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English