Valero Port Arthur Refinery Has Fire at Diesel Hydrotreater

Smoke rises near the Valero Port Arthur Refinery in Port Arthur, Texas on March 23.Source: KBMT/AP Photo

Valero Energy Corp. responded to a fire in a unit at its Port Arthur refinery in Texas on Monday, adding pressure to a US fuels market that’s already seen prices skyrocket due to the Middle East war.

A fire broke out at a diesel hydrotreater, with the unit suffering severe damage, according to people familiar with the incident. The blaze was near the plant’s fluid catalytic cracker, and part of the refinery has been shut down, according to the people, who said a decision hasn’t yet been made whether to shut the entire plant.