Oil refiners producing at breakneck speeds due to tight supply

Photography by The Associated Press

U.S. oil refiners will operate their plants at breakneck rates this quarter, near or above 90% of capacity, as tight fuel supplies spur high profits and operating rates, according to company forecasts and analysts surveyed by Reuters.

The refining industry has seen high demand for gasoline, diesel and jet fuel and fourth-quarter outlooks should keep earnings high even as gasoline consumption slips during the winter.