Sat Sep 14 18:35:47 UTC 2024: ## Hurricane Francine Disrupts Gulf of Mexico Oil and Gas Production

**HOUSTON, TX** – Hurricane Francine has significantly impacted oil and gas production in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico, leaving nearly 30% of crude oil and 41% of natural gas production offline as of Saturday. The storm, which hit Louisiana with winds up to 100 miles per hour, caused widespread damage, including power outages affecting 37,000 customers in the state.

The Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) reported that over 522,000 barrels of oil and 755 million cubic feet of natural gas production remain offline. The storm’s cumulative impact this week has resulted in a loss of 1.82 million barrels of crude oil and 4.12 billion cubic feet of natural gas, according to BSEE estimates.

As of Saturday, 52 oil and gas platforms remained unmanned, representing 14% of the total. Earlier in the week, 171 platforms were evacuated as a precaution.

Chevron, the second-largest U.S. oil producer, reported that production at its Jack/St. Malo and Big Foot platforms is currently reduced due to an onshore gas plant disruption. The company expects full production to resume once the disruption is resolved.

Chevron is also working to restore production at its Anchor and Tahiti platforms, which were shut down ahead of the hurricane. Initial assessments indicate that both platforms sustained minimal damage.

The BSEE is continuing to monitor the situation and assess the full impact of Hurricane Francine on the Gulf of Mexico’s energy infrastructure.

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