Loss of Independent Oil Refineries
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The article on the plight of independent gas stations omits a major reason for their decline: the disappearance of independent refiners (“Running on Empty,” June 4).
Independent refiners have disappeared because of an unholy alliance between the major oil companies and environmentalists. Both have lobbied for stricter pollution standards on gasoline and refinery operations.
Independent refiners concluded that mandated upgrades were not economically viable and went out of business. The major oil companies realized this and wound up with a near-monopoly on refining capacity.
Andrius V. Varnas
Redondo Beach
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