HF Sinclair Evaluates Pipeline Expansions to Boost West Coast Fuel Supply

HF Sinclair is evaluating a multi-phase expansion of its refined products pipeline network across the Rocky Mountain and West Coast regions. The plan could add up to 150,000 bpd of capacity, expanding the Pioneer, UNEV, and Medicine Bow pipelines to strengthen fuel supply to Nevada and California.

(P&GJ) - HF Sinclair Corporation is evaluating a multi-phase expansion of its midstream refined products network across the Rocky Mountain and West Coast regions, as the company moves to address widening fuel supply imbalances following multiple refinery closures in the western U.S.

The initiative aims to enhance fuel transport capacity into Nevada and key California markets, where tightening supply has intensified since the announced closures of major refineries in Los Angeles and Benicia. HF Sinclair said its existing pipeline footprint positions it to efficiently move refined products from its Rocky Mountain refineries to high-demand western markets.

Subject to board and regulatory approvals, the projects under review could enable up to 150,000 bpd of incremental capacity across the system. The first phase, targeted for completion in 2028, would expand capacity by approximately 35,000 bpd to move additional supply from Wyoming into Nevada. This stage includes expansion of the Pioneer Pipeline—a joint venture with Phillips 66—from Sinclair, Wyoming to Salt Lake City, Utah, as well as debottlenecking of the UNEV Pipeline between Salt Lake City and Las Vegas.

Subsequent phases being evaluated include:

• Medicine Bow Pipeline: Expansion and potential reversal between Denver, CO and Sinclair, WY.
• Pioneer Pipeline: Additional expansion from Sinclair to Salt Lake City.
• UNEV Pipeline: Further capacity increases from Salt Lake City to Las Vegas.
• New lateral construction from Salt Lake City to Reno, NV.

HF Sinclair said the program reflects its long-term focus on asset integration, value chain optimization, and midstream growth to support downstream supply stability and regional energy security.

“These projects demonstrate how we can leverage our existing assets and geographic footprint to deliver long-term growth and reliable refined products supply across key western markets,” the company stated.

The expansion would also strengthen HF Sinclair’s position as a major refined products transporter in the Intermountain West, integrating its refining, marketing, and logistics capabilities to meet shifting demand in the western U.S. fuel market.