Delta Air Lines looking for cheap fuel in refinery gambit

Philadelphia—Delta Air Lines Inc. wants to buy cheaper crude oil from North Dakota to supply its new refinery, instead of more expensive crude from overseas.

Delta bought the refinery near Philadelphia earlier this year in an effort to cut its fuel expenses by $300 million per year.

A Delta executive told analysts the savings could be even higher if it can get crude from North Dakota.

Like many East Coast refineries, the Delta’s Trainer refinery got its crude oil by ships that came from outside the U.S.

Delta says North Dakota oil for its refinery would come by train.