Originally posted by stl1
Does not answer my question. Do ocean tankers transport refined gasoline?
I believe they only transport crude unrefined oil as a rule.
Makes me question the validity of the story as a whole.
Yes, ocean tankers transport refined petroleum products as well as crude oil.
Yes, gasoline is volatile, but road tankers move it all the time, generally without incident.
Also, why are Iran, Venezuela and Houston all involved?
Something stinks.
Venezuela has lots of oil, but it's of a low grade, heavy and sulphorous. Additionally they have structural economic problems, mostly self-made, but exacerbated by sanctions from the Western powers, which has caused all the smart people to leave.
Iran has light sweet oil, perfect for refining into gasoline, and lots of smart people who can run refineries.
As a result Venezuela imports refined gasoline from Iran.