Massive explosion hits Valero's Port Arthur refinery; shelter-in-place ordered, no injuries reported.

A large explosion occurred at Valero Energy's oil refinery in Port Arthur, Texas, involving a heater unit. Authorities issued a shelter-in-place order for nearby areas, including west Port Arthur, Sabine Pass, and Pleasure Island, while closing parts of the highway. Fortunately, no injuries were reported and all workers are accounted for. The refinery, with a capacity of 380,000 barrels per day, may face operational impacts, but details are not yet confirmed. This incident comes amid rising oil prices near $100 per barrel due to geopolitical tensions involving Iran.