South Philly Refinery Fire & Regional Gas Prices

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Image courtesy Fox 29/Philadelphia

South Philadelphia was rocked by a fire and explosion at the 150 year old Philadelphia Energy Solutions Refining Complex early Friday morning.  While firefighters contained the blaze within a couple of hours – the fire continues to burn and is not yet under control.  Jim Lardear at AAA Mid-Atlantic tells WGMD that it’s too early to know what sort of effect this might have on regional gas prices, however it is likely that drivers in the Northeast will see gas price increases as regional gasoline stock inventory levels are low for this time of year.  Lardear adds “Until the full extent of the damage at the refinery is clear, AAA expects gas prices for the immediate region to increase anywhere from 5 – 10 cents in coming days.”

PES is the largest refinery on the East Coast – and produces 335,000 barrels of crude daily.  In addition to unbranded gasoline, PES also produces jet fuel and diesel, among other products.

Five people have been injured in today’s explosion and fire at the PES Refinery.  This is the second fire this month at the facility.


 

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