PBF restarts idle NJ refinery units to up distillates

PBF Energy has restarted several units at its 100,000 b/d Paulsboro, New Jersey, refinery that were idled during the pandemic in a bid to support low Atlantic coast distillates inventories.

A reformer and two hydrotreaters were restarted at Paulsboro to produce jet fuel and ultra-low sulfur diesel (ULSD), the company said in a call with analysts today for its third quarter earnings.

The company did not say when the units came online. In April PBF said it was restarting a naphtha reformer reformer at Paulsboro.

The company said rebuilding Atlantic coast inventories, particularly for distillates, needs to be a priority as current stocks are 45pc below the five-year average.

Distillate markets and corresponding diesel prices are being closely watched going into the winter season. The low inventories are creating some concern among regional heating oil distributors who are limiting early sales to customers to avoid later shortfalls.

Some refiners have suggested the government waive fuel specifications on ULSD as one possible policy to rebuild inventories and lower prices.

By Nathan Risser