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The U.S. petroleum and coal products industry is operating in one of the most consequential periods in its history. Total U.S. energy exports reached a record 31 quadrillion BTUs in 2025 (this is 2% above the prior record set just the year before, reflecting the country's growing role as a global energy supplier even as the domestic energy landscape undergoes significant structural change). At the same time, U.S. coal production is forecast to decline to 467 million short tons in 2026 as competition from natural gas and renewables intensifies, and the number of producing coal mines has fallen to 524 nationwide.
The industry’s ability to adapt to regulatory, technological, and market pressures will define its future direction, and shape the wider industrial economy in the years ahead.
In this article, we’ll explore the latest trends in the industry, based on data collected by MNI.
Key Statistics & Trends in the U.S. Petroleum & Coal Products Industry
According to verified data collected by MNI, compiler and publisher of the industrial data that powers IndustrySelect, here is what we discovered about petroleum and coal products manufacturers in the United States:
- There are currently 2,300+ petroleum and coal products manufacturers in the U.S.
- More than 180,000 workers are employed in the sector nationwide.
- Total average reported sales among U.S. petroleum and coal products manufacturers stands at $1.4 trillion.
- 18% of petroleum and coal products companies distribute their products internationally, while 12% import raw materials.
- The average facility size stands at 395,000 square feet, reflecting the scale of refining and processing operations.
- The average company size is 89 employees.
- 1% of petroleum and coal products companies are women-owned.
Where Are U.S. Petroleum & Coal Products Manufacturers Located?
Petroleum and coal product manufacturers are concentrated in states with strong refining capacity, energy infrastructure, and large construction markets. The industry reflects both upstream refining strength and downstream demand for asphalt paving and roofing materials tied to infrastructure investment and population growth.
States with the Highest Concentration of Petroleum & Coal Products Manufacturers
The following states represent the largest concentrations of petroleum and coal products manufacturers, where refining infrastructure, energy investment, and construction market demand converge to support a dense base of establishments.
1. Texas (9.5%)
Texas hosts the nation's largest concentration of petroleum and coal product manufacturers. The state's dominance reflects its extensive refining infrastructure, deep integration with oil and gas production, and strong downstream markets for asphalt and construction materials. Houston and the Gulf Coast remain central hubs for refining, petrochemical production, and energy-related manufacturing.
2. Ohio (6.9%)
Ohio maintains a strong presence in petroleum and coal products manufacturing, driven largely by asphalt paving materials and regional refining operations. The state's central location and industrial base support steady infrastructure and transportation demand.
3. Pennsylvania (6.2%)
Pennsylvania's long industrial history continues to support a dense network of petroleum and coal product establishments. The state benefits from both refining activity and strong regional demand for paving and roofing materials tied to infrastructure maintenance and construction.
4. Illinois (5.1%)
Illinois supports a diversified petroleum and coal products sector anchored by refining capacity and construction-driven materials production. The state's transportation infrastructure and central location reinforce its role as a regional manufacturing hub.
5. California (4.5%)
California's petroleum and coal product manufacturers serve one of the nation's largest energy and construction markets. Refining capacity, population density, and extensive infrastructure development sustain a broad base of establishments.
6. New York (4.3%)
New York's concentration reflects strong demand for asphalt, roofing, and petroleum-based materials tied to dense urban infrastructure and ongoing commercial and residential construction activity.
7. Florida (3.6%)
Florida's growing population and construction activity support steady production of paving and roofing materials. The state's coastal energy infrastructure also contributes to petroleum product manufacturing.
8. Indiana (3.6%)
Indiana's petroleum and coal product sector benefits from refining operations and its position within the Midwest industrial corridor. The state's strong transportation networks support distribution and materials manufacturing.
9. Michigan (3.2%)
Michigan's establishment base reflects a mix of refining and downstream petroleum materials manufacturing tied to industrial demand and ongoing infrastructure needs.
10. Alabama (3.1%)
Alabama rounds out the top ten, supported by refining activity and construction-related materials production within the Southeast region.
What Makes Up the U.S. Petroleum & Coal Products Industry?
A closer look at MNI's data reveals an industry shaped by three distinct but interrelated segments -- from large-scale crude oil refining to the asphalt and roofing materials that underpin everyday construction and infrastructure activity.
Asphalt Paving and Roofing Materials (63.6%)
This is by far the largest segment by establishment count, representing nearly two-thirds of all petroleum and coal products manufacturers. Companies in this category produce asphalt paving mixtures, blocks, roofing felts, coatings, and related materials that support road construction, commercial roofing, and residential building activity. Demand for these products is closely tied to infrastructure spending, housing starts, and commercial development cycles.
Miscellaneous Petroleum and Coal Products (21.9%)
This segment includes manufacturers of petroleum and coal products not classified elsewhere, encompassing packaged fuels and a broad range of specialized downstream petroleum-based products. The diversity within this segment reflects the wide variety of industrial and commercial applications that rely on petroleum-derived materials beyond fuel and paving.
Petroleum Refining (14.5%)
Petroleum refining establishments convert crude oil into gasoline, distillate fuels, lubricants, petrochemical feedstocks, and other refined products. While smaller in establishment count, these operations are among the most capital-intensive and strategically significant in the industry. Their output feeds both consumer energy markets and the downstream manufacturing segments that depend on refined petroleum inputs.
Ownership Structure in the U.S. Petroleum & Coal Products Industry
The petroleum and coal products sector is heavily dominated by public corporations, particularly within refining. Large, publicly traded energy companies account for a significant share of employment and capital investment, reflecting the enormous scale required to operate refining infrastructure and national distribution networks. Privately held companies remain active and numerous in the asphalt paving, roofing materials, and specialty petroleum products segments, where smaller regional operators serve local construction and infrastructure markets.
Key Trends & Outlook in U.S. Petroleum & Coal Products Manufacturing in 2026
The U.S. petroleum and coal products industry is navigating a complex and high-stakes environment in 2026. Energy transition pressures, infrastructure investment cycles, and global trade dynamics are all shaping how companies in this sector operate, invest, and plan for the future.
Infrastructure Investment and Asphalt Demand
Federal and state infrastructure spending continues to generate demand for asphalt paving materials, which represent the industry's largest segment by company count. Road rehabilitation, highway expansion, and bridge construction programs are sustaining order flow for asphalt producers across the country. Given the long lead times associated with infrastructure project planning and funding, this demand is expected to remain relatively stable over the near term regardless of broader economic fluctuations.
Energy Transition and Refining Adaptation
U.S. petroleum refiners are operating in an environment of long-term structural change as transportation electrification gradually reshapes fuel demand. While gasoline and diesel consumption remain substantial in 2026, refiners are increasingly evaluating their product mix, investing in renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel production, and exploring how existing refining infrastructure can be adapted to meet evolving energy demand. The pace of transition remains uneven, and refined petroleum products continue to be essential across transportation, industrial, and chemical markets.
Crude Oil Prices and Margin Pressure
Volatility in global crude oil prices remains a persistent challenge for petroleum refiners and downstream manufacturers. Input cost fluctuations directly affect refining margins and the pricing of petroleum-derived materials including asphalt. Companies in this sector have limited ability to insulate themselves from commodity price movements, making cost management, hedging strategies, and operational efficiency central priorities.
Tariffs and Trade Policy
With 18% of companies distributing internationally and 12% importing raw materials, the petroleum and coal products sector has meaningful exposure to trade policy shifts. Tariffs on imported crude oil, petrochemical feedstocks, and refined products are influencing sourcing decisions and cost structures across the industry. Companies are reassessing supply chain configurations and building greater flexibility into their procurement strategies.
Regulatory Environment and Environmental Compliance
Petroleum and coal products manufacturers operate under one of the most complex regulatory environments in U.S. industry. Air emissions standards, stormwater requirements, hazardous materials handling, and environmental remediation obligations all represent significant compliance costs. Companies that proactively invest in environmental management systems and maintain strong regulatory relationships are better positioned to avoid costly penalties and permitting delays that can disrupt operations.
Domestic Energy Security and Reshoring
Growing emphasis on domestic energy security is benefiting U.S. refining and petroleum products manufacturing. Policy support for domestic production capacity, combined with supply chain lessons learned from recent global disruptions, is encouraging investment in U.S.-based refining infrastructure and materials production. This trend reinforces the strategic importance of the sector beyond its direct economic contribution.
Sales Opportunities in the U.S. Petroleum & Coal Products Market
For companies selling into the petroleum and coal products sector, these trends point to several clear areas of opportunity.
Infrastructure investment is sustaining demand for equipment, materials, and services that support asphalt production and road construction operations. Suppliers of aggregate materials, mixing equipment, paving machinery, and maintenance services are operating in a favorable demand environment driven by multi-year infrastructure funding commitments.
The energy transition is creating demand for engineering, process consulting, and capital equipment services as refiners evaluate and execute facility modifications. Companies that understand both conventional refining operations and emerging renewable fuels production are well positioned to support customers navigating this operational evolution.
Environmental compliance requirements are generating steady demand for monitoring equipment, emissions control systems, wastewater treatment technologies, and environmental consulting services. Given the intensity of regulatory scrutiny in this sector, buyers prioritize vendors with proven track records and deep domain expertise.
Finally, the sector's emphasis on operational efficiency and margin management creates ongoing demand for process optimization technologies, predictive maintenance systems, and energy management solutions. Companies that can demonstrate measurable cost reduction or throughput improvement in capital-intensive refining and processing environments will find receptive buyers across the industry.
Making Contact With U.S. Petroleum & Coal Products Companies
How do you reach the contacts you need to start selling to the U.S. Petroleum and Coal Products industry? Powered by MNI data, IndustrySelect has the resources you need. Access a database of nearly 360,000 industrial businesses across the U.S. or zero in on the wood products industry with the Petroleum and Coal Products Industrial Database. Set up your free demo account today, loaded with 500 complete company profiles to get you started!
Editor's Note: This article is updated annually, with new trends and statistics from MNI.