Refining restarts continue as curtailments end

At least 2.9mn b/d of Texas crude processing capacity has begun start up work following last week's weather-induced power and natural gas curtailments that interrupted 28pc of US refining capacity.

Texas regulatory orders giving priority natural gas access to residential and power generation expire today, freeing up more energy for refiners.

Total confirmed restart preparations at its 240,000 b/d refinery in Port Arthur, beginning with steam commissioning. Valero has not commented on operations but reported heavy flaring at its 191,000 b/d refinery in Houston today that could be associated with restart efforts. It has restored some operations at its 335,000 b/d refinery in Port Arthur. Chevron said that it was evaluating its 100,000 b/d Pasadena refinery for damage and had not yet begun restart procedures.

Last week's severe freezing weather and ill-prepared power generation industry disrupted operations for at least 5.1mn b/d of refining capacity stretching from near the Louisiana border to El Paso. The pace of restarts will depend on the extent of related damage at refineries and any previously planned maintenance for the upcoming spring turnaround season.

By Elliott Blackburn