30% of America’s oil production and 41% of its gas production in the Gulf of Mexico have been shut down due to Hurricane Francine, which hit the region since last Tuesday and left extensive damage.
Energy facilities along the US Gulf Coast began reducing operations last Tuesday, and some production sites were evacuated as the hurricane passed through the region.
Offshore production in the Gulf of Mexico is about 1.8 million barrels, which is equivalent to 15% of total U.S. crude production.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement, “about 30% of crude oil production and 41% of natural gas production remain shut in the Gulf of Mexico due to Hurricane Francine.”
The office added that the hurricane caused the shutdown of production of more than 522 thousand barrels of oil per day and 755 million cubic feet of natural gas.
The office said the number of oil and gas platforms where energy workers have abandoned their positions has reached 52, down from 171 at the height of the hurricane last week.
Hurricane Francine hit the Louisiana coast on Wednesday with winds of 100 mph, knocking out power to 375,000 people and bringing heavy rain and flooding to the state.
