Gas pains and refinery closings: A connection?

So how do you feel about $4.25 a gallon gasoline.

You’re thrilled, I know.

And if you are wondering, as I am and as many union refinery workers down in the lower end are, that it’s a little more than a coincidence that the recent price spike at the pump comes at a time when production is being shut down at local refineries, you’re not alone.

U.S. Rep. Pat Meehan, R-7, of Drexel Hill indicated yesterday he was firing off a letter to the federal Energy Information Administration, urging that agency to assess how the closure of refineries in this region is contributing to price hikes at the pump.

“With gas prices rising and no relief in sight, here in southeastern Pennsylvania we are all elft oto wonder if this is related ot the closures of our refineries,” said Meehan. “If these closures result in $5 per gallon gas this summer, nor just for laid –off workers but everyone I represent in Congress, then they all deserve facts and answers.”

Back in September, company officials at Sunoco and ConocoPhilllips indicated they were idling their refineries in Marcus Hook, South Philadelphia and Trainer. They said they would put them on the market, but if no one came forward to buy them, they would shutter the facilities.

Production has now been halted in both the Hook and Trainer. Workers are starting to be laid off.

It’s adding insult to injury. A lot of people are being thrown out of work, and now they’re staring at $4 a gallon gas.

We’ll follow up today to find out more.

Comments

Anonymous said…
I'm sure it will be a strongly worded letter. He may have already forgotten all the money that he has lined his pocket with