Valero CEO complains that WTI is "land-locked"

HOUSTON Feb 10 (Reuters) - Benchmark U.S. crude oil West Texas Intermediate is "disassociated" from waterborne light sweet crude oils like Brent and Light Louisiana Sweet, said Bill Klesse, chief executive of Valero Energy Corp (VLO.N), the nation's leading independent refiner. on Thursday.

"WTI is clearly disassociated from what's going on," Klesse said during a Thursday conference call with Wall Street analysts. "Brent or LLS is a better indicator of what's going on. WTI is just land-locked."

WTI in recent month has come under heavy criticism as a benchmark for U.S. crude oil prices because of a surplus at the Cushing, Oklahoma, oil hub which has led to deep discounts from Brent and LLS. (Reporting by Erwin Seba; Editing by David Gregorio)