EAI, Inc. covers the U.S. Central Corridor (U.S. PADD 2 equivalent) crude network, local refining outlooks, and interaction with surrounding regions. The U.S. Central Corridor refining base has been operating at near maximum capacity and is seeking alternative gasoline market outlets to capitalize on its advantaged crude position. Although lagging the crude business, there are fundamental refined product logistical shifts that are occurring that will change the northern refining crude market structure. The Gulf Coast draw of increasing heavy crude from the north, coupled with logistically “stranded” North American Shale Fairway crudes will continue to influence Cushing and its supply-pricing relationship to the Gulf Coast.