Overview
- Valero’s Port Arthur refinery, which experienced an explosion Monday, reported a fire in one processing unit and said all employees were safe.
- Port Arthur emergency officials ordered people in surrounding neighborhoods to shelter in place, covering a wide area near the plant.
- Mayor Charlotte Moussis said no injuries were reported and noted that firefighters were working to put out the blaze.
- Local media and residents described towering flames, thick black smoke, and a blast strong enough to rattle windows.
- The refinery can process about 435,000 barrels of crude a day into gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel, so any extended disruption could tighten regional supply during a period of higher pump prices tied to global oil uncertainty.