Don't forget that the MRC produces asphalt all winter long that goes into the storage tanks for sale in the spring and summer. The price of asphalt will most likely go up in 2009 with all of the infrastructure projects that Obama will announce after he takes office. The price of diluent is also high right now which the refinery produces.

Also, many people seem to forget that Connacher's loan was based on it's buying the MRC as a way to hedge the risk of solely being a bitumen producer. Connacher most likely cannot sell the MRC as it may have a profound effect on their loan guarantee.

Cheers; Scott