What is the current operational status of Valero's Port Arthur refinery after the March 23 explosion?

Valero has partially restarted its Port Arthur, Texas refinery: the 115,000-bpd AVU-147 crude distillation unit (CDU) is operating, while the 210,000-bpd AVU-146 CDU remains shut down pending repair of a damaged tube in its heater. The refinery was fully shut down after the March 23 explosion and fire in a diesel hydrotreater, and no injuries were officially reported, though one lawsuit alleging injury has been filed.

Why is the AVU-146 crude distillation unit significant to U.S. Gulf Coast refining capacity?

The AVU-146 CDU accounts for 2% of crude oil refining capacity across the U.S. Gulf Coast states of Texas, Mississippi, and Louisiana — which collectively hold 9.62 million bpd, or over half of total U.S. refining capacity; within Texas alone, its 210,000-bpd capacity represents 3.4% of the state’s 6.13 million bpd atmospheric crude distillation capacity.

Exclusive: Valero Partially Restarts Port Arthur, Texas Refinery After Blast, Sources Say

Apr 16, 2026

Valero Energy partially restarted its Port Arthur refinery after a March 23 explosion, keeping one crude distillation unit running while repairing another. The incident affected U.S. Gulf Coast refining capacity and briefly increased diesel prices.

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Exclusive: Valero Partially Restarts Port Arthur, Texas Refinery After Blast, Sources Say

Exclusive: Valero Partially Restarts Port Arthur, Texas Refinery After Blast, Sources Say

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