Findlay, Ohio-based Marathon Petroleum said this week it is permanently ending crude oil processing at two of its U.S. refineries, including one in Gallup, N.M., with capacity of 27,000 barrels per day, as a result of “decreased product demand caused by the ongoing coronavirus health crisis.” Marathon also will idle its refinery in Martinez, Calif. (161,000 b/d). Oil & Gas Journal said the company has “no plans to restart normal operations at either manufacturing site.”
Michael J. Hennigan, president and CEO, said, “We began April with demand at historic lows. Despite seeing some recovery during the quarter, demand for our products and services continues to be significantly depressed.” Marathon said the idling of the two facilities will not result in supply disruptions in California or New Mexico. Albuquerque TV station KRQE said the refinery, which employs 220 people, will close by yearend 2020.