Is a U.S. Refining Cartel Emerging? Major Players Slash Production

Following the series of mega-mergers in the oil exploration and production space, a potential US refining cartel—a 'mini OPEC on American soil'—could be taking shape with some of the first coordinated policies to reduce refining capacity this quarter as demand falters and concerns about a global glut of crude mount. Bloomberg reports that four major refiners, including Marathon Petroleum, owner of the largest US refinery, plan to reduce refining capacity at 13 of its plants to an average of 90%, down 4% from the same quarter in 2023.…