• Development and application of refining industry simulation and linear programming (LP) models for domestic and international industry-wide studies.
• Evaluation of downstream regional (PADD) and/or market specific capabilities or advantages/disadvantages in responding to various upstream and midstream developments.
• Independent assessments of the cost-effectiveness (costs vs. benefits) of proposed or promulgated regulations and policy changes affecting petroleum feedstocks, products and markets.
• Monitoring and evaluating worldwide refinery construction projects.

Exemplary Engagements:

• American Petroleum Institute (API) studies to assess the:
  • Economic and Supply Impacts of a Reduced Cap on Gasoline Sulfur Content;
  • Economic and Supply Implications of Lower Aromatics and Higher Octane Tier 3 Gasoline Specifications; and
  • Costs and Impacts of Distributing Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD).
• Studies for the American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers (AFPM), the Western States Petroleum Association (WSPA), the National Petroleum Council (NPC) and the Reformulated Gasoline Survey Association (RFGSA) including:
  • Gasoline Octane Screening Studies;
  • Meeting Requirements for Cleaner Fuels in U.S. Refineries;
  • WSPA/CARB/GM – RVP/Drivability Index Emissions Testing Program;
  • CARB 3 RFG Potential Regulations and MTBE Ban;
  • Cost Impacts of Potential CARB Phase 2 Gasoline Regulations; and
  • QA/QC Oversight of a National Program for Sampling and Analyses at Retail Gasoline Stations & Labs.
• U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) study: Implications of Increasing U.S. Light Tight Oil Production.
• Assessment of the impact of the Jones Act policy on flexibility of product supply distribution, cost, and product flows.
• Analysis of the implications of increasing domestic light tight oil production on the U.S. refining sector under two crude production and a series of crude export scenarios for an integrated oil company.
• Analysis of the U.S. downstream industry’s investment requirements and costs to process increasing volumes of domestic light tight oil for several light crude oil producers.
• Subscription Offerings:
  • CRUDE & REFINED PRODUCTS OUTLOOK covering regional U.S., Europe & Asia for a full range of crudes actively traded in each market and the full range of refined products-published biannually;
  • WORLDWIDE REFINERY CONSTRUCTION OUTLOOK which evaluates and handicaps worldwide refinery construction projects; and
  • Market research offerings including: the North American Crude Oil Outlook, World Crude Oil Outlook, Assessment of Mexico Downstream Reform under AMLO.