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Message: <blockquote data-quote="grendel" data-source="post: 1754329" data-attributes="member: 23529">That's a good point, but we're talking about gasoline prices. Gasoline is a refined product. Hence, my focus there.  The US has huge refining capability and, as such, imports petroleum. To comlpicte it more, it's not a zero sum game. For example, in 2018 when the US because a net exporter of crude, we exported 7.5Mbpd and imported 10.5Mbpd (3Q numbers). So, looking at pure exportation/importation of crude oil / petroleum doesn't do much for you. SO...when people talk about expanding petroleum capacity with the idea that it will lower gasoline prices, there is exactly zero correlation until you start looking at the global supply and demand.  It's usually just political theater.EDIT: I should have added that we are still a next EXPORTER of petroleum. We sell more of it abroad. We aren't seeing it all domestically. Hence, if we add capacity and there is still a larger global demand, all we will do is export more of it. It doesn't turn into domestic refined product. It will still get sold abroad. Bottom line: Until it is more profitable to refine US crude into gasoline and sell that gasoline to US customers, adding capacity does nothing ('nothing' isn't technically correct - but nothing we will significantly notice).  </blockquote>

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