In recent years the global oil refining industry has been undergoing significant structural change. Larger, more efficient 'mega-refineries' have been established in Asia, resulting in increased competitive pressures on established refining operations, including those in Australia. As noted above, there were two refineries operating in Queensland in 2011, although the refinery at Bulwer is scheduled to close in 2015.
In 2013-14, 82 per cent of crude oil and other refinery feedstock was imported.383 New refinery capacity is unlikely to be developed in Australia in the foreseeable future.
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383. Carson, L. (2014), p. 108