US DOE authorizes SPR crude release to Placid Refining's Baton Rogue plant

The US Department of Energy Sept. 3 authorized the release of 300,000 barrels of crude from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve to exchange with Placid Refining's refinery near Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

"This exchange is being made to ensure that the areas affected by Hurricane Ida are able to quickly and easily access the fuel they need to support recovery activities," DOE said in a statement.

The department said such exchanges were "a critical tool available to refiners during emergencies."

It added that it "expects refiners to prioritize refined products for the affected region and remains committed to supporting those efforts."