The new year has presented the opportunity for the United States to continue on its path towards global energy domination, following a 2025 that saw the US increase its output capacity of essential energy resources for the domestic and international market. MPLX, a diversified, large-cap master limited partnership that owns and operates several midstream assets in the US, has outlined its plan to increase the throughput of the BANGL pipeline.
Can MPLX lead the resurgence of midstream operations in the US market?
In the current environment of the US energy sector, companies need to invest in new developments and increase the capacity of existing pipelines to meet the anticipated increase in demand for energy resources, not only in the domestic US market, but across the global one as well.
MPLX has become a major player in the US midstream sector through its substantial assets that provide midstream operators with increased output capacity. The company recently announced a quarterly distribution for shareholders of 12.5%, marking the second consecutive year of increased returns.
“MPLX delivered on its commitment to return capital, increasing the distribution 12.5% for the second consecutive year, reflecting conviction in our growth outlook. Strengthening the durability of mid-single digit adjusted EBITDA growth, we are investing in our key growth regions of the Permian and Marcellus basins, and executing on strategic portfolio optimization.” – Maryann Mannen, MPLX president and chief executive officer
MPLX has several strategically important pipelines and developments in the US market
The company has been working alongside its partners to develop several pipelines and notable assets in the US market this year, with the Eiger Express Pipeline in the Permian bringing the company’s focus into reality. The company also has the ongoing Harmin Creek III development, which will consist of a 300 MMcf/d processing plant and 40 thousand barrels per day (mbpd) de-ethanizer.
Will the plan to increase the throughput of the BANGL Pipeline become a reality?
In a recent report, MPLX has stated its plans to increase the throughput of the NBAGL Pipeline this year. In July of 2025, MPLX acquired the remaining interest of the BANGL pipeline and has now revealed its plans to increase the capacity from 250 mbpd to 300 mbpd.
This will enable essential energy liquids to reach the company’s Gulf Coast fractionators and provide a new opportunity for midstream growth in the prolific and lucrative US energy market, which is only now beginning with its significant expansion efforts under the current President, Donald Trump.
The BANGL Pipeline has been designed to transport Y-grade natural gas liquids, such as propane and butane, from the prolific Permian basin to the US Gulf Coast, where the liquids will be fractionalized for export to the international market.
The company outlined an expansion plan for 2026 in December of last year to allow for increased sour gas capacity in the Permian Basin, exemplifying the company’s commitment to the domestic energy market this year.
Additionally, MPLX has acquired the assets and operations of Northwind Midstream for $2.38 billion, providing additional acreage and over 200 miles of pipeline.
“The addition of 200,000 dedicated acres will increase MPLX’s access to natural gas and NGL volumes.” – MPLX CEO Maryann Mannen
MPLX has entered into a joint venture to advance the Rio Bravo pipeline
Building on the plans to increase the capacity of the BANGL Pipeline, MPLX has recently entered into a new joint venture with WhiteWater Midstream to advance the Rio Bravo Pipeline this year. MPLX has become a major driver of growth across the United States midstream market, and through the plans to expand the BANGL pipeline, stands at the forefront of the remarkable expansion of the United States energy sector this year.
