Refinery strike slows fuel production only slightly, has minimal impact on fuel prices

[Omaha Steve]

FILE - In this Feb. 7, 2015 file photo, representatives from the United Steelworkers (USW) union hold a rally at the entrance to the Marathon refinery in Catlettsburg, Ky. Three weeks into a USW walkout at 11 refineries around the country, the impact on the prices of gasoline, diesel and other fuels is barely discernable. (AP Photo/The Independent, Kevin Goldy, File)

http://www.usnews.com/news/business/articles/2015/02/17/why-refinery-strike-has-had-little-bite-at-gas-pump

By JONATHAN FAHEY, AP Energy Writer

NEW YORK (AP) — Gasoline prices can spike for all kinds of reasons that make skeptical drivers roll their eyes: "tension" in the Middle East, a refinery suddenly shuts down for maintenance, or the annual springtime switch to summer blends of gasoline.

A refinery strike, however, would seem understandable. Yet three weeks into a walkout at 11 refineries around the country, the impact on the prices of gasoline, diesel and other fuels is barely discernable.

Gasoline prices have gone up this month, but mostly due to a sharp increase in the price of oil and because gas prices almost always rise at this time of year, according to Tom Kloza, chief oil analyst at the Oil Price Information Service.

If autoworkers strike, cars stop coming off the line. If teachers strike, kids don't go to school. But refineries are different. They are like giant pressure cookers, and once they are up and running they don't need all that much elbow grease to keep oil flowing in and fuels coming out.

FULL story at link. Video: https://social.newsinc.com/media/json/69017/28532557/singleVideoOG.html?type=VideoPlayer%2FSingle&widgetId=2&trackingGroup=69017&videoId=28532557#.VOP8wvdBmrs.twitter

[Duckhunter935]

1. tell that to me

up over 20 cents

[DustyJoe]

2. yep

1.89 a few weeks ago, 2.19 today

and


the strikers pictured
About 450 of the striking workers are operators, and an additional 250 are maintenance workers, including machinists, electricians, pipefitters, welders and carpenters. Their average pay is $40 an hour.


The .30 a gal hurts them not, My SS is the same it was 3 weeks ago and .30 a gal hurts.

Can we call them equal to the 1%ers compared to pensioners ?

[Omaha Steve]

4. You did read the story?

Oil is up silly.

[ND-Dem]

3. that must be why no one at DU is particularly interested in the strike, which is a fairly

significant one.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/10026236715

maybe they should make it hurt more.

the feeling I get from a lot of du posters is that the only legitimate strikes are ones that cause no inconvenience to anyone. and don't get any publicity, either.

no wonder labor is dying.

[Xipe Totec]

5. A little early to be calling the game. nt