ExxonMobil expands Beaumont refinery’s capacity to process light crudes

ExxonMobil will add flexibility to process light crudes at its Beaumont refinery in Texas, increasing production capacity by approximately 20,000 bpd, the company announced on Tuesday. 

This expansion will further strengthen ExxonMobil’s integrated downstream portfolio in Southeast Texas, according to ExxonMobil officials.

“This project will grow our capacity and flexibility to process light crude oils,” said Jerry Wascom, president of ExxonMobil Refining and Supply Co. “Building on the recent increases in domestic oil and gas production, this investment further strengthens the competitiveness of the company’s strategic assets in North America and enhances US energy security," he added.

ExxonMobil says the increase in capacity at the Beaumont refinery is made possible in large part by abundant, affordable supplies of US light crude from shale and demonstrates the company's  long-term view and disciplined approach toward advantaged business investments, and its continuing commitment to American economic growth and job creation. 

Beaumont is well positioned to competitively supply high-demand growth markets around the US, the company said.

“ExxonMobil continues to strengthen its portfolio of world-class refining assets,” said Fernando Salazar, refinery manager at ExxonMobil’s Beaumont refinery. 

“The expanded crude unit at Beaumont refinery supports the company’s position as a leader in the global energy market by improving the production slate, and enabling improvement in the product yield in a highly energy-efficient manner that will further strengthen the industry-leading position of our assets," he added.

Tuesday's announced expansion could be the first of several steps for ExxonMobil in Beaumont, where it is said to be considering expansions that could make the Beaumont refinery the largest in the US.