Marathon Petroleum will temporarily idle its 166,000 b/d refinery in Martinez, California, beginning on 27 April, as efforts to limit the spread of the Covid-19 panedemic cut into fuel demand.
The company today said it would continue to meet customer commitments and did not anticipate supply disruptions in the region. Regular staffing levels are scheduled during the idle period, which will continue based on market demand, the company said.
Second month May gasoline differentials to Nymex in San Francisco spiked this morning on news of the Martinez idling plan, with discounts narrowing by 50pc from the day prior. May San Francisco CARBOB traded at June RBOB -10¢/USG this morning, pulling cash differentials higher by 10¢/USG from yesterday's confirmed deal.
Prompt April barrels traded at -20¢/USG yesterday for Bay area gasoline with May CARBOB changing hands at the same level.
This morning's trade moved the market from flat to a contango curve between prompt and second month timing, with two trading days remaining for April. May barrels will become prompt on 20 April.
By Jason Metko and Craig Ross

