"Heavy Crude Refining Economics Improve" (MRO; TSO; VLO)

From Downstream Today:

During the first quarter of 2010 (10Q1), U.S. refining industry performance improved relative to the prior quarter (09Q4), according to the consulting firm Baker & O'Brien, Inc.

These improvements were evidenced by higher overall industry crack spreads, as well as by a widening of the light-heavy crude oil price differential (LLS-Maya). The closing of several refineries, combined with seasonal maintenance turnaround activity, resulted in 10Q1 refinery production more in line with demand, contributing to the improving crack spreads. The trend toward wider light-heavy differentials has continued into the second quarter, substantially improving the economics of full conversion heavy crude refiners, as shown in the chart below. The light-heavy differential is now almost double its average for all of 2009.

Baker & O'Brien, Inc.'s recent quarterly release to PRISM subscribers highlights how refinery cash margins (EBITDA(1)) have increased relative to 09Q4. PADD(2) 3, the Gulf Coast region, enjoyed the largest relative improvement. However, margins in PADD 4, the Rocky Mountain region, have continued to outpace those observed in other areas.

The 10Q1 industry data also revealed a continuing decline in total inputs of crude oil and feedstocks to domestic refineries since 2007. However, this varies widely across regions: PADD 2 (the Midwest) shows only a 1% decrease, while PADD 1 (East Coast) inputs have declined 27% since 2007. With the exception of PADD 2, 10Q1 average refinery inputs were lower in every district as compared to their 2009 averages....MORE