BP Plc BP intends to keep the Whiting refinery closed for up to three weeks as it grapples with the aftermath of a plant-wide power outage at its Indiana refinery.

The Whiting refinery, with a capacity to process 435,000 barrels of crude daily, holds a pivotal position as the largest refinery in the Midwest and BP’s largest in North America.

The sudden halt in operations following the Feb 1 power outage has prompted extensive inspections of units and piping to assess damages and identify the root cause of the interruption. The failure of two transformers has been cited as the primary reason behind the power disruption, underscoring the complexity of the situation.

One of the primary concerns amid the shutdown is the impact on the national fuel supply, particularly middle distillates like diesel fuel. With stocks already below seasonal averages and manufacturing sectors rebounding from previous downturns, the potential shortfall in supply could further drive prices, affecting not only consumer costs but also the pace of economic recovery.

The shutdown not only affects the refining process but also disrupts the supply chain, forcing BP to source gasoline from alternative refineries to meet demand at its stations. This redistribution of supply, coupled with the significant loss of production capacity from the Whiting refinery, contributes to the upward pressure on fuel prices.

As BP navigates through this operational setback, the broader fuel market remains on edge, with stakeholders closely monitoring developments for potential implications on supply, pricing and economic activity. The shutdown highlights how vulnerable critical infrastructure is to unexpected disruptions, emphasizing the necessity for strong contingency plans within the energy sector.

In conclusion, as BP diligently works to restore operations at the Whiting refinery, the ripple effects of the shutdown resonate throughout the fuel market, raising concerns about supply reliability and price stability in the near term.

Zacks Rank & Stock to Consider

Currently, BP carries a Zack Rank #3 (Hold).

Investors interested in the energy sector might look at the following company that presently sports a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.

Subsea 7 S.A. SUBCY helps build underwater oil and gas fields. It is a top player in the Oil and Gas Equipment and Services market, which is expected to grow as oil and gas production moves further offshore.

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for SUBCY’s 2024 EPS is pegged at 91 cents. It has witnessed upward earnings estimate revisions for 2024 in the past 30 days. SUBCY’s 2024 earnings are expected to soar 277% year over year.