Houston-based Spectra Energy Corp. and Spectra Energy Partners LP expanded their oil pipeline network running from Guernsey, Wyo., to Patoka, Ill., Spectra Energy said Oct. 10.

The market demand for light sweet domestic crude oil is “strong,” the company added, noting that at Patoka, shippers could access Midwestern and Gulf Coast markets. Eastern refiners might benefit from the expansion in the future, the company added.

“We’ve had very strong indications of interest from shippers and believe that producers will achieve higher netback prices by accessing high value markets via this expansion,” said Greg Ebel, Spectra Energy’s chairman, CEO and president.

“We are pleased by the strong demand we have seen for our existing crude oil system capacity. This success is driving our commitment to maximize our growth through organic expansion, and we believe this new option will be a welcome solution for customers wanting to move domestic oil to key U.S. markets,” he added.

In first-quarter 2015, there will be a binding open season. The expansion is scheduled to be online in 2017 with 400,000 barrels per day of initial capacity, the company said.