The centers of power and fuel in the East Coast — including several refineries, ports and pipelines — were brought to a standstill Oct. 30 as Hurricane Sandy whipped through the region, slashing New York and New Jersey with 90 mph gusts.

IHS Global Insight U.S. Economist Gregory Daco estimated total economic losses of around $30-$50 billion, including $25 billion in infrastructure, while 70% of refining has been idled.

“This does not bode well for the supply of refined oil products as capacity was already quite tight prior to the ...