In this piece, we will take a look at eight best oil refinery stocks to invest in.

The global oil refining industry has undergone significant shifts over the past few years, driven by geopolitical tensions, changes in consumption patterns, and emerging market demands. As of 2023, the world’s refining capacity was estimated at 103.5 million barrels per day (b/d), according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). With the recent disruptions in petroleum markets, such as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and supply chain challenges due to COVID-19, there is heightened interest in how much refinery capacity will come online in the coming years to meet the rising demand for petroleum products. This interest is primarily centered on new projects expected to be operational by 2028, most of which are in high-demand regions like Asia-Pacific and the Middle East. The EIA’s analysis suggests that between 2.6 million b/d and 4.9 million b/d of additional refining capacity will be added globally over the next four years.

The focus on expanding refining capacity in countries such as China, India, and those in the Middle East stems from their rapid economic and population growth, which translates into a rising need for refined petroleum products. While countries in the Atlantic Basin, including the United States and Europe, have seen stagnating demand, the Asia-Pacific and Middle Eastern markets continue to grow robustly. These regions have also experienced increased investments in refining projects. For instance, Saudi Aramco has consistently been the largest investor in refinery capital expenditures, allocating over $9 billion annually since 2017, while China and India collectively contributed between $15 billion to $28 billion each year.

In contrast, refiners in the Atlantic Basin are expected to face slower demand growth and fierce competition. Refineries in these regions may encounter additional headwinds due to planned closures and the transition to renewable energy sources, which is further complicated by supply chain disruptions and geopolitical conflicts. Refinery expansions in countries like Nigeria and Mexico will also contend with distinct market conditions compared to the surging demand in Asia and the Middle East. Recent geopolitical tensions, such as Houthi attacks in the Red Sea, have increased shipping costs and further isolated the Atlantic and Pacific markets, reinforcing these divergent trends.

Global consumption of liquid fuels is projected to increase steadily through 2028, with the EIA estimating a rise to 105 million b/d by 2028. This demand is being fueled by a burgeoning middle class and higher incomes in developing nations, leading to increased consumption of consumer goods and transportation fuels. In response, refiners are ramping up capacity to meet this demand growth, with most of the projects concentrated in Asia and the Middle East. However, the Atlantic Basin market will see much slower demand growth, which could hinder investment in new refining projects. Consequently, the refinery expansions in the Atlantic Basin will likely lag behind those in the Pacific Basin.

The dynamics of the refining sector are further complicated by shifts in global crude oil production and trade. The EIA’s International Energy Outlook 2023 indicates that OPEC+ will continue its production restraint through 2028, potentially limiting crude oil exports from Middle Eastern producers. This could have profound implications for refiners in countries outside of OPEC+, such as the United States, Canada, and Brazil, who will need to supply crude oil to these new refining capacities in Asia and the Middle East.

Despite the challenges, the global refining landscape is witnessing a surge in capital expenditures from major players. The EIA’s report shows that 39 global refiners invested a total of $71 billion in 2023, marking a slight decline from 2022 levels after adjusting for inflation. The investment landscape is shaped by factors like growing crack spreads—the difference between petroleum product prices and crude oil prices—which have driven much of the capacity expansions over the past two decades. Although crack spreads remained strong in mid-2024, they have narrowed since the record levels of 2022. Nevertheless, several projects announced before the recent decline in crack spreads are expected to come online by 2028.

In summary, the outlook for the oil refining industry is marked by growth in capacity centered in the Asia-Pacific and Middle East regions, where demand is projected to rise sharply. While the Atlantic Basin market faces a more challenging environment, investments in refining projects remain significant. As geopolitical tensions and market dynamics continue to evolve, the industry must navigate a complex landscape to capitalize on emerging opportunities and address potential risks. Keeping this context in view, let’s take a look now at eight best oil refinery stocks to invest in.

Our Methodology

For this article, to compile our list of the best oil refinery stocks, we used Finviz stock screener and narrowed our focus from the broader oil industry to firms that limit themselves to oil refineries. A list of the 21 largest oil refining firms was initially compiled. From this dataset, we selected the top ten stocks most favored by institutional investors and ranked them in ascending order based on the number of hedge funds holding stakes in these firms as of Q2 2024.

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08. Clean Energy Fuels Corp. (NASDAQ:CLNE)

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 24

Clean Energy Fuels Corp. (NASDAQ:CLNE) has established itself as a prominent player in the renewable energy sector by offering a diverse portfolio of low-carbon fuel solutions for transportation. While primarily known for its renewable natural gas (RNG) offerings, the company’s operations extend to providing compressed natural gas (CNG) and liquefied natural gas (LNG) for medium and heavy-duty vehicles across the United States and Canada. Its integrated business model includes operating a network of fueling stations, transporting natural gas through virtual pipelines, and developing RNG projects that are expected to bolster the supply of clean fuels. Although Clean Energy Fuels Corp. (NASDAQ:CLNE) is not a traditional oil refiner, its focus on supplying cleaner alternatives to conventional petroleum products positions it as a compelling investment for those looking to capitalize on the ongoing transition in the energy sector. With rising demand for environmentally-friendly fuel options and government incentives for adopting green energy, the company is strategically aligned to benefit from this shift, making it a noteworthy inclusion in the list of eight best oil refinery stocks to invest in.

The company’s Q2 2024 financial results reflect its solid business fundamentals. Clean Energy Fuels Corp. (NASDAQ:CLNE) reported $18.9 million in adjusted EBITDA for the quarter, a notable increase from $12 million in Q2 2023, showcasing growth in profitability. Revenue for the quarter stood at $98 million, up from $90 million in the same period last year, indicating a consistent rise in sales driven by higher fuel volumes and new customer acquisitions. The company sold 57 million gallons of RNG in Q2 2024, highlighting the growing demand for cleaner fuel options. Furthermore, Clean Energy Fuels Corp. (NASDAQ:CLNE) ended the quarter with nearly $250 million in cash and investments, positioning it well for future expansion and strategic investments.

The expansion of Clean Energy Fuels Corp. (NASDAQ:CLNE) Boron facility in California, which increased its output capacity by 50%, has played a significant role in meeting the growing LNG demand, particularly from the commercial maritime industry. Clean Energy Fuels Corp. (NASDAQ:CLNE) partnership with Pasha Hawaii, for example, has led to a substantial increase in LNG consumption, contributing to the company’s revenue growth. The company’s extensive network of over 600 fueling stations, with 200 publicly accessible locations, provides a strategic advantage as more fleets adopt natural gas trucks.

Additionally, Clean Energy Fuels Corp. (NASDAQ:CLNE) focus on RNG production through dairy and livestock waste projects further solidifies its position in the low-carbon energy market. With multiple RNG projects in the pipeline and a strategic partnership with Tourmaline in Canada, Clean Energy is poised to capture a larger market share in the renewable energy space. These factors make Clean Energy Fuels Corp. (NASDAQ:CLNE) an attractive investment opportunity in the oil and gas sector.

07. Par Pacific Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:PARR)

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 25

Par Pacific Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:PARR) is a key player in the energy and infrastructure industry, specializing in oil refining operations that make it a strong contender in the list of top oil refinery stocks to invest in. The company manages refineries that produce a range of products including gasoline, diesel, and asphalt, catering to demand primarily in regions like Hawaii, Wyoming, Washington, and Montana. This strategic positioning in underserved markets has helped Par Pacific Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:PARR) capture unique opportunities within the refining sector, making it an attractive stock for investors looking to gain exposure to the oil refining space.

In the second quarter of 2024, Par Pacific Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:PARR) delivered a solid financial performance with adjusted EBITDA reaching $82 million and net income per share of $0.49. This strong performance was driven by robust operations across its refineries and effective maintenance execution, particularly at its Billings refinery, which saw a successful turnaround and is now positioned to increase utilization rates. This focus on operational reliability has allowed Par Pacific Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:PARR) to optimize production and increase throughput across its refineries, contributing to its solid revenue generation.

Par Pacific Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:PARR) refining segment achieved a combined throughput of 180,000 barrels per day in the second quarter, reflecting efficient operations in Hawaii, Wyoming, and Washington. In Hawaii, the refinery maintained a high operational availability rate of 99% and achieved consistent production costs of $4.50 per barrel, highlighting the efficiency of its refining processes. The Wyoming refinery, on the other hand, set a new record for throughput at 19,900 barrels per day with production costs of $7.08 per barrel. These figures demonstrate Par Pacific’s ability to maintain stable production costs while expanding its operational capacity.

On the strategic front, Par Pacific Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:PARR) continues to invest in growth initiatives, including a renewable hydrotreater conversion in Hawaii, positioning it to take advantage of the growing demand for renewable energy. Additionally, the company has made significant strides in reducing its debt and repurchasing $65 million worth of stock, indicating a strong balance sheet and commitment to returning value to shareholders. With its focus on refining efficiency, strategic investments, and solid financial metrics, Par Pacific Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:PARR) is well-positioned for future growth and remains a compelling choice among oil refinery stocks.