- BP (BP +0.7%) says it has restarted the largest of three crude distillation units at its 413K bbl/day refinery in Whiting, Ind., which has returned to service and resumed production of fuel following the unit’s unplanned shutdown earlier this month for unscheduled repair work.
- The problems at the refinery had caused wholesale gasoline prices to spike higher by up to $0.80/gallon around the Great Lakes states, and the restart eventually should bring some price relief to area motorists.
- While restart of the unit is helping to increase the refinery’s overall fuel output, BP says the 250K bbl/day crude distillation unit will continue to ramp up to its full processing capacity over time.
- BP says the rest of the refinery remains in full operation at scheduled rates, and continues to meet contractual fuel supply obligations to customers despite a still-reduced fuel production at the site.