Top 10 Largest Oil Refineries in the US

Wondering who owns the largest oil refinery in the United States and where it’s located? The United States is home to some of the most advanced and powerful petroleum refineries in the world. From the refineries in Houston to massive operations along the Gulf Coast, these industrial giants drive the nation’s energy supply and economy. Many of the oil refineries in Texas, including the Port Arthur refinery in Texas and multiple refineries in Houston, Texas, rank among the world’s largest producers of refined petroleum.

At Abraham, Watkins, Nichols, Agosto, Aziz & Stogner, we’ve represented injured workers and families affected by catastrophic industrial accidents for over 75 years. Whether a work injury occurs at a refinery in Texas or a loved one suffers a wrongful death after an explosion or chemical release, our Houston attorneys stand ready to pursue justice and accountability. Contact us today for a free consultation at (713) 222-7211 to learn your rights after a refinery or industrial accident.

Texas Dominates the Refining Industry

The US Energy Information Administration (EIA) reports that Texas remains the undisputed leader in refining capacity, housing over a quarter of the nation’s total production. Dozens of petroleum refineries in Texas operate across the Gulf Coast, with the largest concentrated near Houston and Port Arthur.

Many of these refineries form part of a massive petrochemical and energy corridor that stretches from refineries in Houston along the Ship Channel to the Gulf Coast near Galveston Bay. Together, these facilities supply much of the country’s gasoline, diesel, jet fuel, and petrochemical products.

Galveston Bay Refinery – Texas City, TX (Marathon Petroleum)

The Galveston Bay Refinery is the largest oil refinery in the United States, processing roughly 631,000 barrels per day. Located near Houston, this site plays a central role in both the US and international fuel markets. Marathon’s integrated operations make it one of the largest US refinery companies by capacity.

Port Arthur Refinery – Port Arthur, TX (Motiva / Saudi Aramco)

The Port Arthur refinery in Texas is a global powerhouse. Operated by Motiva Enterprises, a subsidiary of Saudi Aramco, it recently expanded capacity to approximately 654,000 barrels per day—making it arguably one of the largest refineries in the US. This biggest refinery in Texas, which produces gasoline, diesel, and aviation fuel for domestic and international markets.

Beaumont Refinery – Beaumont, TX (ExxonMobil)

ExxonMobil’s Beaumont complex produces over 609,000 barrels per day, securing its position as one of the largest refineries in Texas. The site continues to expand to meet growing demand for refined fuel and petrochemical feedstocks.

Garyville Refinery – Louisiana (Marathon Petroleum)

Located along the Mississippi River, Marathon’s Garyville facility is the largest in Louisiana, refining around 597,000 barrels per day. Though outside Texas, it’s part of the Gulf Coast network that powers much of America’s energy production.

Baytown Refinery – Baytown, TX (ExxonMobil)

One of the most prominent refineries in Houston, ExxonMobil’s Baytown complex processes nearly 564,000 barrels per day. It’s considered one of the largest oil refineries in the US and a key part of the Houston Ship Channel industrial zone. The refinery also produces significant quantities of chemicals and lubricants.

Baton Rouge Refinery – Louisiana (ExxonMobil)

With a capacity of roughly 522,000 barrels per day, ExxonMobil’s Baton Rouge plant is one of the nation’s oldest and most productive. It supports refining, blending, and shipping operations across the southern US.

Lake Charles Refinery – Louisiana (Citgo)

Citgo’s Lake Charles refinery handles around 455,000 barrels per day and serves as one of the main entry points for Venezuelan crude processed under its US arm.

Whiting Refinery – Indiana (BP)

The Whiting facility processes about 435,000 barrels per day and represents the Midwest’s largest refining operation. Its output supplies much of the Great Lakes region.

Carson Refinery – California (Marathon Petroleum)

The Carson Refinery near Los Angeles refines roughly 365,000 barrels daily, helping meet California’s high demand for cleaner-burning fuels.

Houston Refining (LyondellBasell) – Houston, TX

The Houston Refining plant, once producing around 268,000 barrels per day, has long been a cornerstone among the refineries Houston relies on for industrial and fuel production. Though LyondellBasell announced plans to phase out operations, this oil refinery in Houston, TX, remains a landmark in the city’s petrochemical heritage.

Why Texas Refineries Lead the Nation

The combination of crude oil supply, access to Gulf ports, and integrated infrastructure in Texas gives it a massive advantage. The state’s proximity to offshore drilling, pipelines, and export terminals has made its refineries indispensable to global energy distribution.

The refineries in Houston and surrounding areas—such as Galveston Bay, Baytown, and Port Arthur—are linked by an intricate network of pipelines, railways, and shipping terminals. This efficiency allows Texas to refine and export petroleum faster than any other state, cementing its status as home to the US’s largest refinery network.

Risks Behind Refining Power

Despite their economic importance, these facilities pose serious risks to workers and nearby communities. Explosions, fires, and toxic releases are not uncommon in refining environments. A single mistake can result in catastrophic injury, long-term disability, or fatal exposure.

Workers injured at a refinery in Texas may have legal rights under workers’ compensation or civil law if negligence contributed to the accident. Families who lose a loved one in a refinery explosion or chemical incident may also have grounds for a wrongful death claim.

The Largest US Refinery Companies

The nation’s top refining capacity is controlled by a handful of corporations:

• Marathon Petroleum – operator of Galveston Bay and Garyville;
• Motiva Enterprises / Saudi Aramco – owner of Port Arthur;
• ExxonMobil – runs Baytown, Beaumont, and Baton Rouge;
• Valero Energy Corporation – owns several mid-sized Texas refineries;
• BP – operates in Whiting, Indiana; and
• Chevron – runs multiple Gulf and West Coast facilities.

These companies make up the backbone of the American energy sector and operate nearly all of the top 10 refineries by volume.

Texas Remains the Refining Capital of America, If You’ve Been Injured, Call Today

When ranking the largest US refinery companies, Texas stands out as the undeniable leader. The Gulf Coast corridor, home to the biggest refinery in Texas and the largest refinery in the United States, produces a vast share of America’s fuel supply and export revenue. From refineries in Houston, Texas, to the Port Arthur refinery in Texas, the region defines American energy.

However, refinery work remains hazardous. Fires, explosions, and toxic exposures have lifelong consequences for workers and families. If you or someone you love suffered injuries in a refinery accident or industrial explosion, reach out to Abraham Watkins for help.

Our firm has over 75 years of combined experience standing up for Texans harmed by corporate negligence. We believe everyone deserves access to high-quality legal representation without an upfront cost. To learn more or schedule a free consultation, please contact us online or call (713) 222-7211 today.