Argus Media Limited

09/16/2021 | News release | Distributed by Public on 09/16/2021 14:43

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

US Gulf of Mexico offshore production Status 12:30pm ET 16 Sept
Total Change from 15 Sept % of GOM
Oil shut-in b/d 513,878 -23,315 28.2
Natural gas shut-in mn cf/d 879 0 39.4
Platforms Evacuated 42 6 7.5
- BSEE
US Gulf coast refinery status, post-Hurricane Ida
Name Capacity b/d Status as of 4:00pm ET, 16 Sept
Marathon Garyville 565,000 Normal
ExxonMobil Baton Rouge 500,000 Normal, receiving 2 SPR crude loans
Phillips 66 Alliance 250,000 Shut, unspecified damage
Shell Norco 250,000 Shut, unspecified damage, limited power, flaring
Valero St Charles 215,000 Restarted
PBF Chalmette 190,000 Terminal and blending operating, startup expected week of 12 Sept
Valero Meraux 135,000 Restarted
Delek Krotz Springs 80,000 Restarted
Placid Port Allen 75,000 Normal, receiving SPR crude
- Companies