Petroleum refining is the most energy-intensive manufacturing industry in the United States and accounts for about 7.5% of total U.S. energy consumption. Energy purchases from outside sources cost the industry almost $3.8 billion in 1998. [MECS 1998] This may seem low, considering that petroleum refiners are the number one energy users in manufacturing. However, a large percentage of the energy consumed in refineries is produced onsite, not purchased from outside sources. If the value of this byproduct energy were included, energy costs could be over $10 billion (assuming 60% of process energy is produced onsite, at a value of $3 per million Btu).

The petroleum refining industry uses energy both to supply heat and power for plant operations and as a raw material for the production of petrochemicals and other non-fuel products. According to the most recent Manufacturing Energy Consumption Survey (MECS), the U.S. petroleum refining industry consumed about 7.1 quads (quadrillion Btu), or 10¹⁵ Btu) of energy in 1998.

Source: MECS 1985, 1988, 1991, 1994, 1998

* The primary component is energy used for heat and power.
NOTE: Years prior to 1994 do not include adjustments for energy shipped off-site. Does not include losses incurred during the generation and transmission of electricity.
Values prior to 1998 are for SIC 2911; values for 1998 are for NAICS 324110