US Gulf operators bring back 72pc of output: Update

Adds refinery status and table.

US Gulf of Mexico offshore producers have brought back about 72pc of the oil output that was halted due to Hurricane Ida.

The volume of offshore oil production still shut in was at 28pc, or 513,878 b/d, as of 12:30pm ET today, according to the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE). That compares with 30pc, or 537,193 b/d, yesterday. About 39pc of offshore natural gas output also was off line.

Offshore platforms in the Gulf account for about 17pc of US crude output and 5pc of dry-gas production. Producers began evacuating workers and shutting in production in advance of the storm that came ashore in Louisiana on 29 August.
Storm-related damage to onshore energy infrastructure is also continuing to abate. Just two refineries in Louisiana appeared to remain offline today after sustaining damages during Ida.

Phillips 66's 250,000 b/d Alliance refinery in Belle Chasse, Louisiana, was flooded during the storm and lost power. Power has been restored to most customers in Belle Chasse, although some areas in surrounding Plaquemines Parish may not have electricity restored until 29 September, regional utility Entergy said.

There was no update today on the status of Shell's 250,000 b/d Norco facility, which increased flaring in recent weeks after losing power in the storm, although some power has been restored.

PBF Energy did not respond to a request for comment on the status of its Chalmette refinery near New Orleans, which the company had targeted for a startup during the week of 12 September.

By Stephen Cunningham