How LyondellBasell Stands to Benefit From New IMO Rules

The video discusses a 270,000 barrel per day refinery in Houston, Texas, focusing on its ability to process heavy crude and the implications of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) 2020 regulations. The refinery is well-positioned to benefit from changes in crude demand and diesel margins due to its complexity and past investments. The industry faces challenges in compliance and investment, with potential financial upsides projected. The video also highlights the need for equipment changes, such as scrubbers, to handle different crude types.

What is one reason the Houston refinery is favored under the IMO 2020 regulations?

• It yields more diesel, benefiting from wider diesel margins.

• It processes light crude more efficiently.

• It requires no maintenance.

• It has a high capacity for sour crudes.

What investment did the refinery make to prepare for the IMO 2020 regulations?

• Increased production of light crude.

• Made a small investment in 2016 for cleaner fuels.

• Invested in scrubbers for ships.

• Built a new refinery in 2018.

What is a potential challenge for the industry regarding IMO 2020 compliance?

• Lack of demand for diesel.

• High cost of light crude.

• Overproduction of heavy crude.

• Difficulty in monitoring compliance, especially in Asia.

How does the refinery expect to benefit financially from the IMO 2020 regulations?

• By capturing arbitrage opportunities and increased diesel margins.

• By selling off excess heavy crude.

• By reducing production costs.

• Through increased demand for light crude.

What is the expected financial impact on the refinery due to the IMO 2020 regulations?

• A need for additional investments in 2020.

• Minimal impact with no significant changes.

• Hundreds of millions of dollars in upside.

• A decrease in overall profitability.