Phillips 66 and Kinder Morgan are developing the Western Gateway Pipeline, a proposed refined products system that would move fuel from Borger, Texas, to markets in Arizona, California, and Nevada. The project cleared its binding open season in late 2025 and is now advancing toward development.
Western Gateway Pipeline: Project Overview
The Western Gateway Pipeline is designed to connect Midcontinent refining capacity with high-demand markets in the U.S. Southwest — a corridor that currently relies on a limited number of supply routes. Phillips 66 and Kinder Morgan are co-developing the system as a joint infrastructure project, with each contributing existing assets to the configuration.
The core route runs from Borger, Texas, to Phoenix, Arizona, via a new-build pipeline segment. From Phoenix, Kinder Morgan’s existing SFPP pipeline — running west to Colton, California — would be reversed to allow east-to-west product flows into Southern California. Additional connectivity to Las Vegas, Nevada, is planned via Kinder Morgan’s CALNEV Pipeline.
Pipeline Configuration and Feedstock Supply
Refined product feedstock for the Western Gateway Pipeline would originate at refineries in Borger and El Paso, Texas. Phillips 66’s Gold Pipeline, which currently runs from Borger to St. Louis, would be reversed to channel Midcontinent refinery output back toward Borger, creating a continuous supply path into the Western Gateway system.
The integration of reversed legacy pipelines with new-build infrastructure is central to the project’s economics — it avoids the cost and permitting complexity of building an entirely greenfield corridor while extending the reach of existing refinery-linked assets.
Open Season and Commercial Progress
A binding open season for transportation commitments ran from 20 October to 19 December 2025. Potential shippers submitted binding capacity commitments during this window. The outcome of that process has not been publicly disclosed, but the pipeline has since advanced to further development planning — a second open season was subsequently announced, confirming shipper interest and continued project momentum.
Strategic Context
The U.S. Southwest faces structural fuel supply constraints. California imports a significant share of its refined products, and pipeline capacity from Midcontinent refining centres to West Coast markets is limited. The Western Gateway Pipeline addresses that gap by creating a direct, high-volume route from Texas refineries to Phoenix, Southern California, and the Las Vegas corridor.
For Phillips 66, the project leverages its existing Borger refinery and Gold Pipeline assets. For Kinder Morgan, it monetises spare or reversible capacity on the SFPP and CALNEV systems. Both companies benefit from long-term shipper commitments that underpin the capital case before construction begins.
The Western Gateway Pipeline sits within a broader trend of U.S. refined products infrastructure investment. As refinery consolidation continues and population growth in Phoenix and the Inland Empire drives fuel demand higher, Midcontinent-to-West pipelines are gaining strategic priority. For a broader view of the sector, see our ranking of the top 10 pipeline companies in 2026.
Project Status in 2026
The Western Gateway Pipeline remains in pre-FID development. No construction start date has been confirmed publicly. The second open season, launched in 2026, indicates the project sponsors are building the shipper commitment base needed to support a final investment decision. Kinder Morgan’s investor relations pages carry the most current project disclosures.
What is the Western Gateway Pipeline?
The Western Gateway Pipeline is a proposed refined products pipeline co-developed by Phillips 66 and Kinder Morgan. It would move fuel from Borger, Texas, to Phoenix, Arizona, and onward into California and Nevada via reversed and new-build pipeline segments.
Where does the Western Gateway Pipeline run?
The primary route runs from Borger, Texas, to Phoenix, Arizona, via a new-build segment. From Phoenix, Kinder Morgan’s existing SFPP pipeline would be reversed to carry products west to Colton, California. The CALNEV Pipeline provides onward connectivity to Las Vegas, Nevada.
What was the Western Gateway Pipeline open season?
A binding open season ran from 20 October to 19 December 2025, during which potential shippers could submit capacity commitments. A second open season was subsequently launched in 2026, signalling continued development progress.
Who owns the Western Gateway Pipeline?
The Western Gateway Pipeline is a joint project between Phillips 66 and Kinder Morgan. Phillips 66 contributes its Borger refinery connection and the Gold Pipeline. Kinder Morgan contributes the SFPP and CALNEV pipeline assets.
What is the current status of the Western Gateway Pipeline in 2026?
The project remains in pre-FID development as of 2026. No construction start date has been announced. The launch of a second open season indicates the project is advancing toward a final investment decision as sponsors build shipper commitments.