Replies to post #4312 on The Rising Influence of Rising Affluence

[OakesCS]

i think the answer is yes and i'll answer the 2nd part anyway 8^): i suspect the market in the north is glutted. Producers in the Bakken and Canada are competing with each other to move oil. Even if refineries relatively close to the Bakken are operating well under capacity (this can be checked but i'm lazy), i wouldn't be surprised if they're refusing delivery unless they get very favorable terms. The keystone pipeline was planned for a reason. I suspect its blocking is partially intended to accomplish what is going on but like so many things about this administration: it's a short term tactic that will have terrible strategic consequences.