U.S. oil refineries run at highest capacity in six years amid strong margins

American refineries are operating at over 97% utilization—the highest rate since 2018—as strong profit margins on gasoline and diesel production drive processors to maximize output and defer maintenance.

First covered Aug 28, 2026 · 9:15 AM PT · 1 article · no longer in the live window

U.S. oil refineries run at highest capacity in six years amid strong margins — Image via heatmap.news

Coverage

29d Heatmap News America’s Oil Refineries Are Going All Out — It’s never been a better time to turn oil into gasoline and diesel, and the United States refining industry is processing every drop it can.

Primary sources

eia.gov Leafhandler (eia.gov)

noaa.gov NOAA maintains prediction for below-normal Atlantic hurricane season

More coverage from around the web

kpler.com US Refinery Utilisation Near Multi-Year Seasonal Highs What’s sustaining the strength in US refinery runs? | Kpler - Feb 18, 2026

eia.gov When was the last refinery built in the United States? - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) - U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA)

oilsandsmagazine.com U.S. Refineries | Oil Sands Magazine

eia.gov Refinery Capacity Report - U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA)

theworlddata.com Oil Refinery Statistics in US 2026 | Capacity, Output & Key Facts - The World Data

Appeared in: 2026-08-28 (#14) · 2026-08-29 (#15) · 2026-08-30 (#12) · 2026-08-31 (#13)

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