[Kenny Bunk]

A key reason for refinery shut-downs?

Demand for gasoline HAS FALLEN DRASTICALLY. It is now at the same level it was 2002! We are in an economic depression. Hello? Except for exports there is simply NO PLACE TO PUT THE GAS. PEOPLE CAN'T AFFORD TO BUY IT. THEY HAVE NO JOB.

[az_gila]

Not sure about total demand, but the US refiners are making a heck of a lot less gasoline than 2002...

From here http://www.eia.gov/dnav/pet/hist/LeafHandler.ashx?n=PET&s=A103600001&f=M

[Western Phil]

Went for a flight with the neighbor & his father who owns a plane. Avgas is almost $6/gal. Good flying weather, hardly any planes in the air.