-- Valero Energy (VLO) has reportedly restarted its 380,000 barrels per day Port Arthur, Texas refinery, following an explosion and fire last month, which led to the unit being shut down, Reuters reported, citing two unnamed sources.
According to reports, the 115,000 bpd AVU 147 crude distillation unit is back online, while the 210,000 bpd unit is still shut as its heater is still undergoing repairs.
The AVU 146 unit accounts for roughly 2% of crude refining capacity across the U.S. Gulf Coast and about 3.4% of Texas's total, underscoring its importance to the region's energy security.
Reuters noted that diesel prices rose by 16 cents per barrel on the day of the explosion, following news of its closure.
Valero did not immediately respond to' request for a comment on this story.
(Market Chatter news is derived from conversations with market professionals globally. This information is believed to be from reliable sources but may include rumor and speculation. Accuracy is not guaranteed.)