REUTERS/Bing Guan/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsWASHINGTON, Oct 19 (Reuters) - U.S. oil refiners have cranked up output of diesel, heating oil and jet fuel for winter but are struggling to turn a profit because gasoline margins have fallen over 80% since the summer driving season ended.
Refiners, which typically produce more distillates such as diesel and heating oil in autumn, are trying to rebuild inventories of these fuels that are near seasonal record lows.
While fuel makers focus on maximizing distillate output, they inevitably produce gasoline as well.
Meanwhile, Russia's short-lived diesel export ban, along with less refinery capacity and Western sanctions on Russian diesel, have hit diesel inventories and tightened supplies.
Shortages have kept the U.S. heating oil crack at near $44 a barrel, nearly twice the seasonal average.
Persons:
Bing Guan, fuelmakers, RIN, Laura Sanicola, Stephanie Kelly, David Gregorio Our
Organizations:
Phillips, Los, Los Angeles Refinery, Rights, Diesel, AAA, U.S ., U.S . Energy Information Administration, Thomson
Locations:
Los Angeles, Carson , California, U.S, Singapore, U.S . East