The dramatic decline in oil prices occurred even as U.S. demand has remained consistent. Gasoline offtake has remained around 9.2 million b/d of late, and it could rise to 9.4 million or even 9.5 million b/d for the holiday period. Diesel demand has recovered to where it's flat with last year, but well below the peak numbers of 2006 and 2007.rnFor refiners, it's a mixed bag. There were a half dozen operational events last week, so utilization may decline in the next few weeks even though refining margins are ample. Most of the unit problems were on the Gulf and West coasts.
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