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Late season storm could interfere with 4 mln barrels of US oil output, scientists state

A late season tropical storm anticipated to intensify into a classification 2 typhoon in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico this week could decrease U.S. oil production by about 4 million barrels, researchers stated.

Storm Rafael was in the Caribbean Sea late on Monday and anticipated to get in the Gulf of Mexico on a track that takes it through prime oil-producing areas. Winds could reach 100 miles per hour (161 kph) on Wednesday, the National Typhoon Center stated.

U.S. oil manufacturers might lose in between 3.1 million and 4.9 million barrels of oil, said energy analytics firm Earth Science Associates using a model that approximates volume losses to past storm strength and track.

Natural gas production losses could range in between 4.56 billion and 6.39 billion cubic feet, according to its model. The upper end presumes structural damage that lengthens shut-ins, said Tony Dupont, Earth Science's chief running officer.

Shell and Chevron on Monday said they were moving non-essential workers to shore from numerous platforms ahead of the storm. Shell said it was pausing some drilling activity however there was impact on production. Chevron likewise said regular oil and gas production was not affected.

Earth Science's design calls for Rafael to have the second-largest effect of this year's storms on offshore production, behind cyclone Francine, which shut in as much as 42%. of oil and 52% of natural gas production.

Raphael, the 17th called storm of the Atlantic hurricane. season, is on a track would take it through areas of the Gulf. that are heavy with oil and gas platforms. The season runs. through Nov. 30.

There have actually been 10 called Atlantic storms formed this year. considering that September 24, a record for the duration, according to. Colorado State University meteorologist Phil Klotzbach.

(source: Reuters)