US refineries brace for Arctic blast

NEW YORK: US refineries are preparing for extreme cold as an Arctic blast sweeps across the country, threatening operational disruptions.
The National Weather Service forecast sub-zero temperatures across the eastern two-thirds of the US, reaching the Gulf Coast early next week. Most refineries operate optimally between 32 and 95 degrees Fahrenheit, and extreme cold can cause equipment failures and reduce capacity.
About 7 million barrels of crude production could be curtailed across the Rockies, Permian and Anadarko regions, while refinery runs in Oklahoma may fall by around 200,000 barrels per day, a trading source said.
US diesel futures jumped about 4%, driven by surging natural gas prices amid rising heating demand. — Reuters