Analysts expect minimal price impact from temporary shutdown of trans-Alaska oil pipeline

Analysts expect little price effect from shutdown

JUNEAU, Alaska — Analysts don’t expect a temporary shutdown of the trans-Alaska pipeline system due to an oil spill this week to have much effect, if any, on crude prices and gas supplies.

While it could be back up by Thursday, energy economist Doug Reynolds says even a week idled, in the global scheme, shouldn’t affect those things much.

The 800-mile line was shut down Tuesday, after what its operator characterized as several thousand barrels of oil spilled into a tank and overflowed into a containment area.

Alyeska Pipeline Service Co. says it expects to begin recovery of the spilled crude early Thursday.