The Trump administration is exploring ways to restart several closed oil refineries across the United States as part of a broader effort to increase domestic energy production and help reduce gasoline prices for American families.
White House officials confirmed Thursday that reopening idle refineries has become a priority, with particular attention focused on the long-shuttered refinery on St. Croix in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
According to administration officials, the St. Croix facility remains strategically important because it was originally designed to process Venezuelan crude oil and sits in a location that could help strengthen fuel supplies throughout the region. Officials believe bringing the refinery back online could increase refining capacity while improving America’s long-term energy security.
The White House also said multiple companies have contacted the administration about purchasing and reopening the refinery. Interest reportedly increased following recent geopolitical developments involving Venezuela and renewed efforts to expand U.S. energy production.
Politico first reported that administration officials have discussed reopening several shuttered refineries nationwide, including facilities in both the Virgin Islands and California.
White House spokeswoman Taylor Rogers said that maintaining strong domestic refining capacity is critical to America’s national security because it helps ensure the country has a dependable, affordable, and stable energy supply.
She added that President Trump’s National Energy Dominance Council will continue supporting efforts to reopen closed refineries while encouraging investment in new facilities designed to strengthen the nation’s energy infrastructure.
Why More Refineries Matter
Oil must be processed at refineries before it becomes gasoline, diesel, jet fuel, and other products Americans use every day. While crude oil prices have the biggest influence on what drivers pay at the pump, limited refining capacity can also contribute to higher fuel prices by restricting supply.
Administration officials argue that increasing domestic refining capacity would help make the United States less dependent on foreign energy while creating a more reliable supply of gasoline during periods of global instability.
The administration’s effort to revive closed refineries comes as Americans continue to face elevated fuel costs following the conflict with Iran. AAA reported that the national average price for a gallon of regular gasoline stood at about $4.10 on Thursday, representing an increase of more than $1 per gallon compared to prices earlier this year.
St. Croix Refinery Could Return After Years of Closure
The St. Croix refinery has been closed since 2021 after the Environmental Protection Agency ordered operations suspended over concerns about emissions and public health.
Despite those previous environmental issues, the facility is once again attracting attention as the administration looks for ways to expand America’s refining capacity and strengthen domestic fuel production.
Industry leaders say reopening idle refineries could also support thousands of high-paying American jobs while boosting investment in the nation’s energy sector.
The Bottom Line
The Trump administration’s refinery initiative reflects its broader strategy of increasing domestic energy production, expanding refining capacity, and reducing reliance on foreign energy sources. Supporters believe that if more refineries return to operation, the United States could improve fuel supplies, strengthen national energy security, create new jobs, and help ease pressure on gasoline prices over time.