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, WA has one refinery, located in Kwinana and operated by BP.
In 2013-14, 82 per cent of crude oil and other refinery feedstock was imported.419 It is unlikely there will be any new refinery capacity developed in Australia in the foreseeable future.
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419. Carson, L. (2014), p. 108