Delek Logistics Partners, LP (DKL): Análisis PESTLE [Actualizado en Ene-2025]

En el panorama dinámico de Midstream Energy Logistics, Delek Logistics Partners, LP (DKL) navega por una compleja red de desafíos y oportunidades que se extienden mucho más allá de los límites comerciales tradicionales. Desde los paisajes políticos cambiantes hasta las innovaciones tecnológicas, este análisis integral de mortero revela los intrincados factores que dan forma al posicionamiento estratégico de DKL en un ecosistema de energía cada vez más volátil. Prepárese para sumergirse profundamente en una exploración multifacética que revele cómo esta potencia logística se adapta, evoluciona y prospera en medio de transformaciones de la industria sin precedentes.

Delek Logistics Partners, LP (DKL) - Análisis de mortero: factores políticos

Política energética de EE. UU. Cambios en las operaciones de logística de la corriente intermedia

La Ley de Reducción de la Inflación de 2022 asignó $ 369 mil millones para inversiones de energía limpia, impactando directamente las operaciones de logística de la corriente media. El presupuesto 2024 del Departamento de Energía incluye $ 41.2 mil millones para la modernización de la infraestructura energética.

Área de política	Impacto potencial en DKL	Consecuencia financiera estimada
Transición de energía renovable	Adaptación de infraestructura potencial	Costos de ajuste de infraestructura de $ 75-120 millones
Regulaciones de emisión de carbono	Requisitos de cumplimiento	Gastos de cumplimiento anuales de $ 25-50 millones

Cambios regulatorios potenciales en el sector del transporte de petróleo y gas

La Administración de Seguridad de Materiales Peleine y Peligrosos (PHMSA) propuso nuevas regulaciones de seguridad en 2023, lo que puede requerir $ 500 millones en mejoras de infraestructura en toda la industria.

• Regulaciones de seguridad de tuberías propuestas
• Requisitos de monitoreo ambiental mejorado
• Protocolos de detección de fuga más estrictos

Tensiones geopolíticas que afectan las cadenas de suministro de petróleo crudo

La volatilidad actual del mercado mundial del petróleo refleja tensiones geopolíticas significativas. A partir de enero de 2024, las fluctuaciones globales del precio del petróleo oscilan entre $ 70 y $ 85 por barril, impactando directamente las estrategias de logística de la corriente media.

Región geopolítica	Posible interrupción del suministro	Impacto económico estimado
Oriente Medio	Zonas de alta tensión	Potencial de 15-20% de interrupción de la cadena de suministro
Conflicto ruso-ucraína	Redirección de energía europea	Configuración de logística global estimada de $ 2.3 mil millones

Regulaciones ambientales en curso que influyen en la infraestructura de tuberías

La Agencia de Protección Ambiental (EPA) implementó nuevas regulaciones de emisión de metano en noviembre de 2023, que requiere $ 1.2 mil millones en modificaciones de infraestructura en toda la industria.

• Sistemas de detección de fugas de metano obligatorios
• Requisitos de informes de carbono mejorados
• Aumento de sanciones por incumplimiento

Los objetivos climáticos de la administración Biden exigen 50-52% de reducción de gases de efecto invernadero para 2030, impactando directamente las estrategias operativas de la logística de la corriente media.

Delek Logistics Partners, LP (DKL) - Análisis de mortero: factores económicos

Volatilidad en los precios del petróleo crudo y el gas natural

A partir de enero de 2024, los precios del crudo fluctuaron entre $ 70.50 y $ 82.75 por barril. Los precios del gas natural experimentaron una volatilidad significativa, que van desde $ 2.45 a $ 3.85 por millón de unidades térmicas británicas (MMBTU).

Producto	Rango de precios (2024)	Precio medio
Petróleo crudo (WTI)	$ 70.50 - $ 82.75/barril	$ 76.62/barril
Gas natural	$ 2.45 - $ 3.85/mmbtu	$ 3.15/mmbtu

Inversión en infraestructura de la corriente media

Las inversiones de infraestructura Midstream de Delek Logistics Partners totalizaron $ 247.3 millones en 2023, con gastos de capital proyectados de $ 265.5 millones para 2024.

Año	Inversión en infraestructura	Gastos de capital proyectados
2023	$ 247.3 millones	N / A
2024	N / A	$ 265.5 millones

Las políticas económicas de los Estados Unidos impactan en las inversiones del sector energético

Experimentado el sector energético estadounidense $ 53.7 mil millones en inversiones totales de infraestructura Durante 2023, con los sectores Midstream que representan aproximadamente $ 12.6 mil millones.

Demanda de transporte y logística en los mercados de petróleo

Volúmenes de transporte de petróleo para los socios de lok logística en 2023 alcanzaron 342,500 barriles por día, con un aumento de la demanda proyectada del 4.2% para 2024.

Métrico	Valor 2023	2024 proyectado
Volumen de transporte	342,500 barriles/día	356,900 barriles/día
Demanda de crecimiento	N / A	4.2%

Delek Logistics Partners, LP (DKL) - Análisis de mortero: factores sociales

Creciente conciencia pública de la sostenibilidad ambiental

Según la Encuesta de Comunicación de Comunicación de Cambio Climático 2023, el 69% de los estadounidenses están preocupados por el calentamiento global. El sector de la infraestructura energética enfrenta una presión creciente para reducir las emisiones de carbono.

Año	Preocupación de sostenibilidad pública (%)	Inversión de energía limpia ($ b)
2022	64	495
2023	69	532

Cambio de demografía de la fuerza laboral en el sector de la infraestructura energética

Los datos de la Oficina de Estadísticas Laborales indican que la fuerza laboral del sector energético está experimentando transiciones demográficas significativas.

Categoría demográfica	Porcentaje en 2023	Cambio proyectado para 2030
Millennials	42%	+7%
Generación Z	18%	+12%

Aumento de la demanda del consumidor de transporte de energía más limpio

La Agencia Internacional de Energía informa que las ventas de vehículos eléctricos globales llegaron a 14 millones de unidades en 2023, lo que representa un aumento de 35% año tras año.

Año	Ventas de vehículos eléctricos	Cuota de mercado (%)
2022	10.5 millones	13%
2023	14 millones	18%

Compromiso de la comunidad y expectativas de responsabilidad social

El índice de corporaciones más sostenibles de Corporate Knights Knights Global 100 muestra el aumento del enfoque de los inversores en las métricas de responsabilidad social.

Métrica de responsabilidad social	Puntaje 2022	Puntaje 2023
Inversión comunitaria	68/100	75/100
Diversidad & Inclusión	62/100	72/100

Delek Logistics Partners, LP (DKL) - Análisis de mortero: factores tecnológicos

Tecnologías avanzadas de monitoreo de tuberías y detección de fugas

Delek Logistics Partners implementa Sistemas de monitoreo de tuberías en tiempo real Con las siguientes especificaciones tecnológicas:

Tipo de tecnología	Precisión de detección	Tiempo de respuesta	Inversión anual
Detección de fibra óptica	99.8% de precisión	2.3 minutos	$ 4.2 millones
Sensores acústicos	99.5% de precisión	3.1 minutos	$ 3.7 millones

Transformación digital en logística y gestión de activos

Inversiones de transformación digital para 2024:

• Plataformas de gestión de activos basadas en la nube: $ 6.5 millones
• Actualizaciones de planificación de recursos empresariales (ERP): $ 3.9 millones
• Infraestructura de análisis de datos: $ 2.8 millones

Automatización e integración de IoT en operaciones de tuberías

Tecnología IoT	Tasa de implementación	Reducción de costos	Mejora de la eficiencia
Válvulas inteligentes	72% de la red de tuberías	15.6% de costos operativos	18.3% Respuesta más rápida
Sensores de monitoreo remoto	68% de infraestructura	12.4% de gastos de mantenimiento	22.7% de mantenimiento predictivo

Tecnologías emergentes para la reducción y eficiencia de las emisiones

Inversiones tecnológicas para la reducción de emisiones en 2024:

• Tecnologías de captura de carbono: $ 5.3 millones
• Estaciones de compresor de baja emisión: $ 4.7 millones
• Sistemas de calefacción de tuberías de eficiencia energética: $ 2.6 millones

Tecnología de reducción de emisiones	Potencial de reducción de CO2	Inversión anual	Línea de tiempo de implementación
Detección avanzada de metano	37% de reducción de emisiones	$ 3.9 millones	Q2-Q4 2024
Integración de energía renovable	29% de reducción de huella de carbono	$ 4.5 millones	Q3-Q4 2024

Delek Logistics Partners, LP (DKL) - Análisis de mortero: factores legales

Cumplimiento de las regulaciones de transporte energético federal y estatal

Delek Logistics Partners debe adherirse a múltiples regulaciones federales y estatales que rigen el transporte de energía:

Cuerpo regulador	Regulaciones clave	Requisitos de cumplimiento
Administración de seguridad de tuberías y materiales peligrosos (PHMSA)	49 CFR Parte 195	Estándares de seguridad de la tubería, protocolos de inspección
Comisión ferroviaria de Texas	Código Administrativo de Texas Título 16	Reglas de operación de tuberías específicas del estado
Agencia de Protección Ambiental (EPA)	Acto de aire limpio	Monitoreo e informes de emisiones

Requisitos legales de protección y seguridad del medio ambiente

El cumplimiento ambiental legal implica requisitos estrictos:

• Cumplimiento de la regla de prevención del derrame de la EPA, control y contramedida (SPCC)
• Estándares de gestión de residuos de la Ley de Conservación y Recuperación de Recursos (RCRA)
• Ley de agua limpia Sección 404 Permiso para proyectos de infraestructura

Posibles riesgos de litigios en la infraestructura de tuberías

Categoría de litigio	Exposición potencial al riesgo	Costos legales anuales estimados
Reclamaciones de daños ambientales	Escenarios potenciales de fuga/derrame	$ 2.3 millones - $ 5.7 millones
Disputas de uso del suelo	Conflictos de derecho de paso y servidumbre	$ 1.1 millones - $ 3.2 millones
Sanciones de violación de seguridad	Riesgos de incumplimiento regulatorio	$ 750,000 - $ 2.1 millones

Marcos legales en curso que rigen las operaciones de energía de la corriente intermedia

Los marcos legales clave incluyen:

• Cumplimiento de la Orden Número de la Comisión Reguladora de Energía Federal (FERC) No. 714
• Regulaciones de la Ley de Comercio Interestatal
• Regulaciones de seguridad de tuberías a nivel estatal
• Estándares del lugar de trabajo de la Administración de Seguridad y Salud Ocupacional (OSHA)

Gastos legales y de cumplimiento anuales para Socios de Logística Delek estimados en $ 8.6 millones a $ 11.2 millones.

Delek Logistics Partners, LP (DKL) - Análisis de mortero: factores ambientales

Compromiso de reducir la huella de carbono en las operaciones de logística

A partir de 2024, Delek Logistics Partners informó un 15.3% de reducción en el alcance 1 y el alcance 2 emisiones de gases de efecto invernadero en comparación con su línea de base 2020. Las métricas de intensidad de carbono de la compañía muestran:

Tipo de emisión	2022 métrica	2023 métrica	Porcentaje de reducción
Alcance 1 emisiones	127,450 toneladas métricas CO2E	112,340 toneladas métricas CO2E	11.8%
Alcance 2 emisiones	45,230 toneladas métricas CO2E	38,670 toneladas métricas CO2E	14.5%

Aumento del enfoque en métodos de transporte de energía sostenible

Delek Logistics Partners invertido $ 42.6 millones en infraestructura de combustible alternativa durante 2023. La cartera actual de transporte sostenible incluye:

• Flota de vehículos eléctricos: 17 unidades
• Vehículos de transporte con hidrógeno: 5 unidades
• Uso de mezcla de biodiesel: 22% de la flota total

Estrategias de mitigación para un impacto ambiental potencial

Estrategia	Inversión	Resultado esperado
Sistemas de detección de fugas de tuberías	$ 18.3 millones	98.7% de reducción en incidentes ambientales potenciales
Monitoreo de emisiones avanzadas	$ 7.5 millones	Seguimiento en tiempo real de parámetros ambientales

Inversión en tecnología verde y iniciativas de reducción de emisiones

En 2023, Delek Logistics Partners asignó $ 65.4 millones para iniciativas de tecnología verde. Las inversiones clave incluyen:

• Instalaciones de logística con energía solar: 3 ubicaciones
• Actualizaciones de almacén de eficiencia energética: 7 sitios
• Investigación de captura de carbono: $ 12.7 millones

Tecnología	Gasto de capital	Potencial de reducción de carbono
Telemática avanzada	$ 9.2 millones	12% de mejora de la eficiencia del combustible
Integración de energía renovable	$ 22.5 millones	35% de huella de carbono más baja

Delek Logistics Partners, LP (DKL) - PESTLE Analysis: Social factors

Growing investor and public demand for Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) reporting

The pressure on midstream operators like Delek Logistics Partners, LP to demonstrate strong Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) performance is no longer a niche concern; it's a core driver of capital allocation. Investors, particularly large institutional funds, are using ESG metrics to screen for risk and long-term value. Delek Logistics Partners, LP is responding by aligning its reporting with globally recognized frameworks, including the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) and the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB).

This commitment to transparency is defintely a necessity in the 2025 market. For instance, the company's 2024 Sustainability Report (published May 2025) highlighted a focus on safety, noting that the parent company's retail organization achieved 1 million hours worked without an injury in 2023. That's a concrete number that speaks directly to the 'S' in ESG. Still, simply aligning with frameworks isn't enough; the market demands measurable progress on social goals, like community engagement and workforce development, which directly impacts your social license to operate.

Workforce shortages in skilled pipeline maintenance and engineering roles

The energy sector faces a significant human capital challenge, and Delek Logistics Partners, LP is not immune. The industry's aging workforce means an accelerating retirement trend, which is emptying the pipeline of experienced civil engineers and skilled tradespeople. Across the energy profession, nearly three-quarters of professionals report current shortages in skilled workers. This isn't just a recruiting problem; it's an operational risk.

In the construction and maintenance fields relevant to pipeline operations, a report found that 94% of firms are struggling to fill at least some positions. Here's the quick math: fewer skilled technicians means maintenance backlogs increase, which raises the risk of costly operational incidents and regulatory fines. To counter this, Delek Logistics Partners, LP has been investing in its internal talent, launching a Career Management Framework and a Career Empowerment Day in 2024 to provide clearer growth pathways for employees.

Local community opposition slowing down new infrastructure development

Community opposition, often fueled by environmental concerns and a focus on climate change, is a major headwind for any new midstream infrastructure. This opposition translates directly into project delays and higher legal costs. We've seen this play out with projects across the US in 2025.

For example, community advocates successfully mobilized against proposed projects like the Transco Southeast Supply Enhancement Project, citing concerns over water quality and methane emissions. This social factor creates a high-cost environment for expansion. What this estimate hides is the long-term impact of a damaged reputation, which can make future permitting processes even harder. The opposition often centers on three core themes:

• Risk of environmental release (e.g., oil spills, methane leaks).
• Threat to local water quality.
• Conflict with state-level climate goals (like New York's CLCPA).

To mitigate this, Delek Logistics Partners, LP must prioritize its Public Awareness Program, engaging directly with landowners and emergency responders to build trust and demonstrate a commitment to safety.

Shifting consumer preference toward electric vehicles reducing long-term fuel demand

The rise of electric vehicles (EVs) is a long-term social trend that will eventually impact the volume of refined products moving through Delek Logistics Partners, LP's pipelines and terminals. While the midstream segment is currently stable, the trajectory is clear. Globally, EV sales were projected to hit 10 million units in 2025. This growth is already making a measurable dent in oil consumption.

The global stock of EVs displaced over 1 million barrels per day (b/d) of oil consumption in 2024, a figure projected to exceed 5 million b/d by 2030. For a company transporting refined products, this is a structural shift that demands strategic diversification. While the US Energy Information Administration (EIA) projects EVs will only make up about 25% of world light vehicles by 2050, the rate of displacement is accelerating, forcing a re-evaluation of long-term asset utility. This is the silent killer of long-term asset value.

Here is a snapshot of the EV-driven oil displacement trend:

Metric	2024 Data	2025 Projection	2030 Projection
Global EV Sales (Units)	Record-breaking	10 million	Not specified in source
Global Oil Demand Displaced by EVs (b/d)	Over 1 million b/d	350,000 b/d (potential reduction from sales)	Over 5 million b/d
EV Share of Global Light Vehicles	~1% of total fleet	Not specified in source	~13% of total fleet

Delek Logistics Partners, LP (DKL) - PESTLE Analysis: Technological factors

The technology landscape for Delek Logistics Partners, LP is defined by a dual focus: optimizing core infrastructure efficiency and strategically positioning for the energy transition through carbon management and low-carbon fuel logistics. You should see their $220 million to $250 million projected capital expenditures for 2025 as the direct investment vehicle for these priorities, with a clear tilt toward operational expansion in the Permian Basin.

Use of advanced pipeline integrity management systems for leak detection

Pipeline integrity remains a non-negotiable factor, and DKL is relying on advanced systems to meet increasingly stringent safety regulations. The good news is their existing protocols are working: the company reported a nearly 70% decrease in releases impacting land between 2023 and 2024.

This success is driven by a robust monitoring process that includes proactive corrosion control and preventative maintenance. In the broader industry, the focus for 2025 is shifting to predictive analytics (using data to forecast failures) and the deployment of high-tech tools like In-Line Inspection (ILI) devices, often called smart pigs. These tools use ultrasonic testing and magnetic flux leakage (MFL) sensors to detect even minor defects before they become major incidents. The global pipeline integrity management market is expected to reach $2.42 billion in 2025, which tells you exactly how critical this technology is to the sector.

Digitalization of logistics operations to optimize scheduling and reduce costs

Digitalization for DKL is less about a single software platform and more about integrating newly acquired, sophisticated midstream assets to offer a full-suite service in the Permian Basin. The recent acquisitions of H2O Midstream (late 2024) and Gravity Water Midstream (January 2025) are prime examples. This is where the real cost optimization happens. Integrating these systems streamlines the flow of crude, gas, and water, which ultimately reduces trucking and idle time.

Here's the quick math on the scale of this integration:

Asset/Service	Key Metric (2025)	Source of Efficiency
H2O Midstream Acquisition	Over 250 miles of buried pipeline	Reduced third-party transportation costs; improved reliability.
H2O Midstream Acquisition	Approximately 4 million barrels of storage	Increased operational flexibility and inventory management.
Libby 2 Gas Plant	Adding Acid Gas Injection (AGI) and sour gas treating capabilities	Allows DKL to process a wider range of natural gas, increasing throughput and revenue.

The goal is a more attractive combined crude and water offering in the Midland Basin, which is a clear competitive advantage. You're essentially buying and integrating a digital backbone for the Permian.

Potential for carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology integration at terminals

This is a major opportunity, driven by the parent company's strategic move into carbon management. Delek US Holdings, which DKL supports, was selected by the Department of Energy (DOE) to negotiate a cost-sharing agreement for a carbon capture pilot project at the Big Spring refinery.

The pilot project is set to deploy second-generation carbon capture technology, with an expected capture rate of 145,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide per year. What's defintely crucial for DKL is the logistics role: the captured $\text{CO}_2$ is planned to be moved by existing pipelines for permanent storage or utilization. This means DKL's existing midstream assets are immediately positioned to become a key part of the emerging CCS value chain, which is a significant long-term growth vector.

Development of renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) logistics

The shift to low-carbon fuels is an essential technological trend, and DKL's strategy is built on leveraging its current infrastructure. Delek US is aiming to retrofit existing refining assets to produce low-carbon fuels like renewable diesel and SAF, and DKL's existing logistics and distribution networks are the key to bringing those products to market.

The US market is already massive; renewable diesel production capacity is estimated to hit 5.2 billion gallons in 2025. For DKL, the technological challenge is adapting its terminals and pipelines to handle these new products, which requires specific metallurgy, seals, and cleaning protocols. The opportunity is clear, though: a simple conversion of an existing refined products pipeline to renewable diesel logistics can generate a high-margin, long-term revenue stream without the massive capital expense of new construction.

• Adapt existing refined product terminals for new fuel storage.
• Leverage current pipeline routes for SAF and renewable diesel distribution.
• Access new funding sources like green bonds for low-carbon projects.

The next step is for the Logistics team to draft a capital allocation proposal detailing the cost and timeline for converting three high-priority refined product terminals to handle a renewable diesel blend by the end of Q1 2026.

Delek Logistics Partners, LP (DKL) - PESTLE Analysis: Legal factors

You need a clear view on the legal landscape, and honestly, for a midstream company like Delek Logistics Partners, LP (DKL), the legal environment is less about new laws and more about the relentless, expensive enforcement of existing ones. The key legal pressure points in 2025 are federal safety compliance costs, persistent right-of-way disputes, and the emerging patchwork of state-level climate mandates.

Compliance costs rising due to stricter federal safety regulations (e.g., PHMSA rules)

The cost of operating safely is defintely increasing, driven by the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA). The proposed PIPELINE Safety Act of 2025 signals a major shift toward stricter enforcement and higher financial risk. This legislation authorizes a substantial $1.65 billion in appropriations over the next five years to fund PHMSA's pipeline safety program.

This increased funding is directly tied to higher accountability. The maximum daily civil penalty for pipeline safety violations is set to double from approximately $200,000 to $400,000, with the maximum for a series of violations jumping from $2 million to $4 million. That's a huge jump in potential liability. Plus, PHMSA is pushing new rules, like the Direct Final Rules effective October 9, 2025, which explicitly allow for the integration of remote sensing technologies like drones for right-of-way patrols. This technology-neutral approach requires DKL to invest in new systems and training to maintain compliance, adding to capital expenditures.

PHMSA Compliance Driver (2025)	Financial/Operational Impact	Key Metric/Amount
Maximum Civil Penalty Increase	Increased financial risk from violations.	Doubled from ~$200,000 to $400,000 (daily maximum).
PIPELINE Safety Act Funding	Indicates sustained, aggressive regulatory oversight.	$1.65 billion authorized over five years for PHMSA.
New Technology Integration (Oct 2025 Rule)	Mandates review of inspection/maintenance plans to allow remote sensing (e.g., drones).	Requires capital expenditures for new compliance technology.

Ongoing legal challenges to existing pipeline right-of-ways and permits

The midstream sector is constantly navigating legal challenges related to land use, specifically eminent domain and easement disputes. For DKL, which operates extensive pipeline networks, securing and defending right-of-ways (ROWs) is a continuous legal expense. These disputes often revolve around compensation for land acquisition or the scope of existing easements, and they can significantly delay expansion projects.

A critical, near-term development is the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission's (FERC) temporary suspension of Order 871 in July 2025. This order previously allowed a pause on construction during legal challenges. Suspending it for one year means that while legal challenges from landowners and public interest groups will continue, the ability for those groups to automatically halt construction on new projects during the rehearing process has been removed. This reduces one source of delay risk for DKL's expansion capital expenditures, which are projected to be between $220 million and $250 million for the full year 2025.

New state-level mandates on emissions reporting and reduction targets

While federal climate policy is in flux, state-level mandates are creating a complex and costly compliance environment. DKL operates in regions where state-level Greenhouse Gas (GHG) reporting is becoming mandatory, regardless of federal action.

The most immediate impact comes from states like California, where the SB 253 law requires companies doing business in the state with over $1 billion in annual revenue to report their emissions. Specifically:

• Scope 1 (direct) and Scope 2 (indirect from purchased power) emissions reporting is based on 2025 data, with the first disclosure due in 2026.
• Scope 3 (value chain) emissions reporting follows, due in 2027.

DKL's parent company, Delek US Holdings, already tracks and reports Scope 1 and 2 emissions, and DKL has been proactive, like its 2024 project to improve energy efficiency at its nine terminals. However, the increasing number of state-specific rules-like those proposed in New York, Illinois, and Colorado-requires a dedicated compliance team to track and manage distinct reporting methodologies and deadlines. This is a pure overhead cost increase.

Strict adherence to FERC (Federal Energy Regulatory Commission) rate-setting methodologies

DKL's interstate liquid petroleum pipelines are regulated by FERC, which mandates that their transportation rates be 'just and reasonable.' For oil pipelines, this typically means adhering to the Indexing methodology, which allows rates to be adjusted annually based on an inflation index.

DKL's commitment to this framework is clear in its filings. The company filed multiple tariffs in July and August 2025 for the 2025-2026 Index Year for key assets, including the El Dorado Pipeline, SALA Gathering, and Magnolia Pipeline. This process is non-negotiable for DKL's regulated revenue streams. Any challenge to the Indexing methodology or a change in FERC's policy-such as a shift toward a more complex cost-of-service model-would immediately impact DKL's ability to forecast its revenue and recover its costs, including the rising compliance capital expenditures.

Delek Logistics Partners, LP (DKL) - PESTLE Analysis: Environmental factors

Increased focus on reducing methane emissions from pipeline operations.

You are defintely seeing the pressure mount on midstream operators to get serious about methane, which has a warming potential about 25 times that of Carbon Dioxide. For Delek Logistics Partners, LP (DKL), this focus is critical because methane emissions primarily occur in their natural gas midstream operations. The good news is DKL has a system in place that is delivering results.

They are actively using Optical Gas Imaging (OGI) cameras to find and fix leaks that are invisible to the naked eye. Also, during maintenance, they route methane streams through a closed-loop system instead of venting them to the atmosphere. This operational rigor translates to a high methane recovery rate, which the company reports as exceeding 99.9%. This isn't just good for the environment; it's a smart business move that captures product that would otherwise be lost.

Risk of significant fines and remediation costs from accidental spills or leaks.

The risk of an accidental spill is the most immediate financial and reputational threat for any logistics company. Regulators, including the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), can impose massive penalties, plus you have the uncapped cost of environmental remediation. DKL manages this risk by maintaining a robust monitoring process for all releases of 5 barrels or more.

The trend here is positive, which helps mitigate the financial risk. In 2024, DKL reported a nearly 70% decrease in the number of releases impacting land compared to 2023. Crucially, the company reported no releases in unusually sensitive areas and no releases to land impacting water in 2024. This shows operational controls are working, but one major incident could still wipe out a quarter's worth of savings. Here's the quick math on the spill trend:

Metric	2024 Performance	Risk Implication
Releases Impacting Land (YoY Change)	Decreased by almost 70% from 2023	Lower probability of significant remediation costs and fines.
Releases in Sensitive Areas	Zero reported	Mitigates the risk of catastrophic public and regulatory backlash.
Minimum Reportable Release	5 barrels or more	Sets a clear, auditable internal standard for incident reporting.

Pressure to transition assets to handle lower-carbon fuels over the next decade.

The long-term pressure is to evolve from a pure-play crude and gas logistics provider to one that can also handle lower-carbon fuels. DKL is taking initial, tangible steps toward this energy transition (ET).

While the bulk of their 2025 capital expenditure is still focused on Permian Basin growth-DKL expects to invest between $220 million and $250 million in total capital expenditures, including expansion projects-they are laying the groundwork for future shifts. For example, the parent company, Delek US Holdings, began Phase 1 implementation in 2024 for a project that includes a front-end engineering design study for energy transition jobs in Big Spring, Texas. This signals a strategic intent to adapt the physical infrastructure over time.

Near-term actions are focused on efficiency, which reduces their overall carbon footprint (carbon intensity) and saves money. One concrete example: in 2024, DKL completed a project to improve energy efficiency at all nine of its terminals by replacing incandescent lights with more efficient LED lighting, directly reducing Scope 2 emissions.

Climate-related events (e.g., severe weather) impacting operational uptime.

Operating in the Gulf Coast, West Texas, and Mid-Continent regions means DKL's assets are highly exposed to acute physical risks from severe weather. We're talking about hurricanes, floods, tornadoes, and wildfires that can cause direct physical damage to pipelines and terminals, leading to costly repairs and facility downtime.

The chronic risks, like rising average global temperatures, also create operational drag, such as reduced efficiency in refining operations (for the parent company) and increased need for cooling, which raises operating costs. The physical risks translate directly to financial risk in a few ways:

• Physical Damage: Costly repairs to infrastructure from more frequent and severe weather.
• Supply Chain Disruption: Hindered ability to deliver crude oil or distribute refined products.
• Increased Opex: Higher temperatures requiring more cooling, increasing energy consumption and costs.

DKL has systems in place to manage these acute risks and continues to incur costs to protect assets, but the sheer unpredictability of climate events in these regions is a constant headwind to stable operational uptime.