Oil and Gas in the Joliet Region
Joliet and its neighboring communities form an important hub for the Midwest's energy supply chain. The area hosts a major petroleum refinery, extensive pipeline networks, fuel terminals, and natural gas distribution infrastructure. Its location at the junction of major interstates, rail lines, and the Illinois Waterway makes it a strategic point for moving fuels across the region.
These facilities provide gasoline, diesel, jet fuel, asphalt, and natural gas to millions of people while supporting thousands of skilled jobs. Below are ten oil and gas companies with significant operations or influence in the Joliet area.
How We Selected These Companies
We considered regional operations, infrastructure investments, employment, safety and environmental programs, and relevance to Joliet's economy and energy supply.
The Top 10 Oil and Gas Companies Serving the Joliet Region
1. ExxonMobil Joliet Refinery
The ExxonMobil Joliet Refinery, located in nearby Channahon Township, is one of the largest refineries in the Midwest. It processes crude oil into gasoline, diesel, jet fuel, and other products, and it is a major employer in Will County.
2. CITGO Lemont Refinery
CITGO's Lemont Refinery, located northeast of Joliet, supplies fuels throughout the Chicagoland region. It is a significant contributor to the local economy and regional fuel supply.
3. BP
BP operates the Whiting Refinery in northwest Indiana, one of the largest in the country, and supplies fuel to stations throughout the Chicago area, including Joliet. Its regional operations are central to Midwest fuel supply.
4. Enbridge
Enbridge operates major crude oil pipelines that carry Canadian crude into the Midwest. Its pipeline network supports refineries across the region, including those near Joliet.
5. Kinder Morgan
Kinder Morgan is one of the largest energy infrastructure companies in North America. It operates natural gas pipelines and fuel terminals that serve the Chicagoland area.
6. Nicor Gas
Nicor Gas, part of Southern Company Gas, is the natural gas utility serving Joliet and much of northern Illinois. It delivers gas to homes and businesses and invests in pipeline modernization and safety.
7. Marathon Petroleum
Marathon Petroleum is one of the largest refining and marketing companies in the United States. Its Midwest operations and terminals help supply fuel to retail stations and commercial customers.
8. Phillips 66
Phillips 66 operates refining, pipeline, and marketing businesses. Its Illinois refinery and regional distribution network contribute to the state's fuel supply.
9. ONEOK
ONEOK operates extensive midstream infrastructure, including refined products pipelines and terminals, following its acquisition of Magellan Midstream Partners. Its assets help move fuels across the central United States.
10. Buckeye Partners
Buckeye Partners owns and operates pipelines and terminals that transport and store refined petroleum products. Its infrastructure supports reliable fuel distribution throughout the Midwest.
Economic Impact on Joliet
The oil and gas industry supports high-paying jobs in operations, maintenance, engineering, and logistics. Refineries and pipelines contribute significant property taxes that fund schools and public services in Will County. Local contractors, suppliers, and trucking companies also benefit from the industry's presence.
Safety and Environmental Responsibility
Operating energy infrastructure near populated areas requires strict safety standards. Companies in the region invest in leak detection, emergency response, and emissions controls. Community advisory panels and emergency planning partnerships with local fire departments help maintain transparency and preparedness.
Industry Trends
The oil and gas sector is adapting to the energy transition. Refineries are exploring renewable diesel and lower-carbon fuels, while utilities are investing in renewable natural gas and hydrogen blending research. Pipeline modernization continues to improve safety. At the same time, demand for traditional fuels remains strong in the logistics-heavy Joliet economy, where trucking and rail depend on reliable diesel supply.
Careers in Oil and Gas
Local colleges offer programs in process technology, industrial maintenance, and welding that prepare students for careers in refining and energy infrastructure. These roles often provide competitive wages, benefits, and opportunities for advancement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does Joliet's natural gas come from?
Natural gas is delivered through interstate pipelines to Nicor Gas, which distributes it to homes and businesses throughout the Joliet area.
Why is the Joliet area important for fuel supply?
Its refinery capacity, pipeline connections, and transportation infrastructure make it a key link in delivering fuel to the Chicago metropolitan area and beyond.
What Local Businesses Should Know
Before you commit, a short list of well-chosen questions can reveal a great deal about any provider. Consider asking the following during your first conversation:
- Fuel pricing in the Joliet area is influenced by regional refinery output and pipeline capacity.
- Seasonal fuel blends and refinery maintenance can cause short-term price changes.
- Commercial fleets can often negotiate fuel supply contracts or use fleet card programs.
- Natural gas customers can compare supply options through the Nicor Gas customer select program.
- Energy infrastructure projects often create opportunities for local contractors and suppliers.
Understanding these factors helps Joliet businesses plan budgets, manage fleet costs, and identify opportunities to work with the energy industry that has long been part of the region's economy.
Final Thoughts
The oil and gas companies above form a vital part of the energy infrastructure serving Joliet and the Midwest. As the industry evolves, these companies continue to supply reliable energy while investing in safety and new technologies.