HF Sinclair considers pipeline expansions to boost West Coast fuel supply

Oct 29 (Reuters) - U.S. refiner HF Sinclair DINO.N said on Wednesday it is considering a strategic expansion of its midstream refined products footprint across the Rocky Mountain and West Coast regions.

HF Sinclair aims to address the increasing supply and demand imbalances in key western markets, particularly in Nevada and California, following a spate of refinery closures which have sent regulators scrambling to source alternative means of supply.

"(Our) current geographic footprint and infrastructure provide an advantaged position to quickly and efficiently deliver refined products where the market needs are strongest," HF Sinclair said.

The planned closures of Phillips 66's PSX.N Los Angeles refinery by the end of the year and Valero Energy's VLO.N Benicia refinery next year are set to wipe out about 20% of California's fuel requirements, which help meet the needs of neighboring states.

HF Sinclair said its expansion plan is currently under review and could add up to 150,000 barrels of product per day of incremental product into various markets.

The first phase of the plan would increase capacity by a projected 35,000 barrels per day to move supply from its Rockies production into Nevada and is expected to be online in 2028.

The refiner is also reviewing its Medicine Bow, Pioneer and UNEV pipelines for a possible expansion.