Group 1: Company Overview - Phillips 66 plans to shut down its 147,000 barrels-per-day Los Angeles refinery by October, as announced by CEO Mark Lashier at the Piper Sandler Energy Conference [1] - The company had previously indicated that the facility would be idled in the fourth quarter of 2025 due to increasing challenges in the California refining sector [1] Group 2: Impact on Fuel Supply and Prices - The closure of the Los Angeles refinery could significantly impact California's fuel supply and prices, with historical spot CARBOB gasoline prices reaching nearly $5 per gallon in September 2022 and 2023 [2] - The shutdown, along with seasonal refinery maintenance and the transition from summer to winter fuel grades, may create supply constraints in the fall [2] Group 3: Market Dynamics and Challenges - California's gasoline demand typically remains strong in early fall, and the planned closure may lead to market disruptions, especially if additional refinery outages occur simultaneously [3] - The shutdown highlights broader challenges for refiners in California, including regulatory pressures and shifting market dynamics [3][4] Group 4: Industry Context - Phillips 66's decision reflects the evolving landscape of the refining industry in California, with long-term implications for fuel availability and pricing across the region [4]
Phillips 66 Confirms Los Angeles Refinery Shutdown by October