A potential 10% tariff on Canadian oil, proposed by President Trump, could force U.S. refineries to either pay more for crude or cut production, leading to higher fuel prices.
Rebecca F. Elliott reports for The New York Times.
In short:
- The BP refinery in Whiting, Indiana, which relies heavily on Canadian crude, may struggle to maintain production if tariffs increase costs.
- The U.S. oil industry opposes the tariffs, warning they could raise gas prices, though some analysts believe refineries and Canadian producers will absorb much of the cost.
- Trump has delayed the tariff for at least 30 days, negotiating border security measures with Canada and Mexico in exchange.
Key quote:
“You can’t turn the Titanic on a dime, and the industry is kind of the same way.”
— Rick Weyen, retired refining executive
Why this matters:
The reliance of Midwestern refineries on Canadian crude underscores a deep interdependence between the two countries' energy sectors, one that is not easily unraveled. Canadian crude, particularly from Alberta’s oil sands, is a heavy, complex product that many U.S. refineries are specifically designed to process. Replacing it would not only be logistically challenging but could also drive up costs for fuel and other petroleum-based products.
Higher fuel prices would ripple through the economy, affecting everything from transportation costs to heating bills. For households already struggling with inflation, even a modest increase at the pump could mean tough trade-offs in other parts of their budget. This is occurring at the same time as the Trump administration shifts away from support of renewable energy sources.
Related: Trump's proposed tariffs threaten to drive up clean energy prices
