As gas prices rise, refinery won’t elaborate on shutdown

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — A recent spike in gas prices is fueling rage on the roadways.

Drivers can’t figure out why prices have jumped nearly 50 cents in the past couple of days.

Hoosiers aren’t the only ones feeling the burn. Drivers in Illinois, Michigan and Ohio are also paying more.

Experts believe unexpected repair work at an Indiana refinery could be the reason motorist will pay around $3 per gallon.

The BP refinery in Whiting, Indiana said it had to shut down the largest of its three distillation units on Saturday. They are currently operating at reduced production. They would not elaborate on what the actual problem is or how long it will take to fix.

Experts said reduced production means the supply of refined gas will go down and that means higher prices.

This increase comes as a shock to many motorist especially because the price of crude oil is down.

“I have seen wholesale prices go up by 60 to 70 cents per gallon. It was nice to see we were heading towards only paying $2 a gallon. I don’t believe drivers will see relief coming anytime soon until whatever the issue is fixed,” said Scott Imus with The Indiana Petroleum Marketers and Convenience Store Association.