Fact-check · Oct 1, 2026 · Donald Trump
“We're refining it at levels we've never seen before”
FALSE
What the record shows
EIA reports U.S. refinery utilization at 97.2% as of August 14, 2026 and 97.4% for week ending August 21, 2026. The all-time record is 100.5% on August 28, 1998.
Current refining levels are near-record highs but do not exceed the 1998 peak. The claim of 'levels we've never seen before' is factually incorrect.
Sources
- EIA Refinery Utilization Rate Change 2026 - economic indicator from the United States
- Weekly Petroleum Status Report/Energy Information Administration v
- US Utilization of Refinery Capacity (Weekly) - Historical D…
- US Refinery Utilization: 97.2% (August 14, 2026 EIA)
- US Refinery Utilisation Near Multi-Year Seasonal Highs What’s sustaining the strength in US refinery runs?
- U.S. Refinery Utilization Hits 96.2% as Global Markets Tighten - Energy News Beat
From: President Trump Participates in a Site Visit, Oct. 1, 2026
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