This study examines the effects of changing the proportions of automotive distillate fuel and gasoline produced by refining petroleum. It provides a partial answer to whether a shift to increased distillate production, that would be necessary if there were a widespread use of vehicles requiring distillate fuel, would result in significant improvements in resource utilization. Calculations for a grass-roots refinery, that would come on stream in the 1990-2000 time-frame, indicate that the maximum theoretical energy saving is about 2% of the crude oil charged when approximately equal quantities of automotive distillate and gasoline are produced. Savings in refinery investment and manufacturing cost would be achieved, too. However, the external impacts of major changes in gasoline/distillate ratio need to be analyzed to establish the practicality of moving in the direction of equal quantities of distillate and gasoline. The impact on petrochemicals and other industries may be substantial.

"EPA 460-3-74-018." "July 1974." Cover title. PB 236 900/7BE. Prepared for Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Air and Waste Management. Contract no. 68-01-2112, July 1974. Includes bibliographical references (page 29).