Well, if market discipline would drive away some of that imported gasoline; avoidance of shortages would require increased domestic production. Presumably there is some slack in domestic refineries. Either way, think of it as "tough love".
Why would a domestic refiner sell domestically when they could ship it overseas and make more?
Hell, why even bother refining in the US if selling in other markets makes more money?
Sorry, I just don't see the federal government as daddy with a belt who's gonna whip us into shape whether we like it or not cause we just won't listen to him when he tells us to behave.
Unfortunately, no. Every time one goes down for maintenance it's a major disruption, and among other things, we're dealing with the refineries that delayed taking their down time because of Katrina finally having no choice.
Strike One. We import both.
Presumably there is some slack in domestic refineries.
Strike Two! There isn't any slack there.