US refners soften opposition to crude exports

摘要

US independent refners’ opposition to ending domestic crude export restrictions is easing. But political resistance makes a change in the rules unlikely. The House of Representatives voted in favour of lifting the restrictions on 9 October. But the chance for an end to the 40-year-old ban on exports of US crude remains slim this year. Support for the measure has largely fallen along partisan lines. Republicans control Congress but will need to win some Democratic support in the Senate, where a version of the bill is stuck. President Barack Obama threatened to veto a repeal, two days before the House vote.