Figures from last year say the Midwest’s refining capacity at 3.9 million barrels per day – that’s the highest volume on record. The surge in production comes from new sources of crude from the north, data show. Marathon Petroleum Corp, Phillips 66, British Petroleum, and other refiners in the region have invested in special equipment to make Canada’s highly viscous crude suitable for current refineries. “Ten years ago, we were 1 million barrels per day short on products, with the Gulf Coast supplying the product. Today, the midcontinent is flush with products,” Marathon Petroleum Chief Executive Gary Heminger told Reuters at the company headquarters in Ohio. Despite the growth in output, declining gasoline demand could make it difficult for Midwestern suppliers to find customers as their capacity grows. But the refiners are confident they can tap into new markets to turn a profit. “The Midwest is well […]