BoardGameArchivePipeline Strategy: Pipe Efficiency, Oil Markets & Cash Flow
Pipeline strategy for network design, crude purchasing, refinery throughput, storage, contracts, upgrades, machines and three-year cash flow.
Editorial analysis: Pipes are valuable only when they convert oil you can buy into grades somebody will pay for.
Editorial analysis: Pipes are valuable only when they convert oil you can buy into grades somebody will pay for.
At a glance
Pipeline strategy for network design, crude purchasing, refinery throughput, storage, contracts, upgrades, machines and three-year cash flow.
About this guide
Editorial analysis: Pipes are valuable only when they convert oil you can buy into grades somebody will pay for.
What this guide covers
Build for demand
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Short useful networks beat elegant dead networks
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Protect liquidity
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Storage buys timing
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Build for demand
Before buying pipe tiles, identify which crude colors are available and which refined grades have profitable contracts or market prices.
Short useful networks beat elegant dead networks
A compact path that repeatedly refines saleable oil can outperform a larger network that rarely matches current inventory.
Protect liquidity
Crude, pipes and upgrades all lock cash. Keep enough money to actually operate the refinery and exploit good market prices.
Storage buys timing
Tanks are most valuable when they let you wait for a better sale or batch oil for an efficient refining action.
Machines need throughput
Automation is strong only when enough oil passes through it over the remaining years.
Year three: reduce inventory risk
Late crude purchases should have a clear refining and sale path before game end.