Industry continues support for Harvey relief efforts
As Tropical Storm Harvey makes its way across east Texas and into Louisiana, about 18% of oil production and 19% of natural gas production in the Gulf of Mexico remains shut in.
According to the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement, based on data from offshore operator reports submitted as of 11:30 CDT on the 30th August it is estimated that about 18.50% of current oil production in the Gulf of Mexico or 323,760 b/d has been shut in. It is also estimated that about 18.98% of natural gas production or 611.09 MMcf/d has been shut-in.
BSEE added that the number of evacuated production platforms and non-DP rigs remained unchanged at 102 and five, respectively.
Analyst IHS Markit pointed out that international crude prices continue to be mostly unchanged, although WTI at Cushing continues to be weaker, as a result of stranded crude unable to be consumed along the Gulf Coast.
In addition, two more operators have made contributions to the American Red Cross.
Shell has reported that it will make an initial contribution of US$1 million to the Hurricane Harvey disaster relief fund. As recovery and relief efforts evolve, the company said that it will consider where else to offer assistance that can have the most immediate impact.
Bruce Culpepper, Shell US president said: “Our roots run extremely deep in Houston and we are committed to doing our part to help the city move on in the aftermath of Harvey.
“Shell employs nearly 20,000 people in the US and nearly half of them are being directly impacted by Harvey. Despite the hardships associated with this event, countless employees have reached out to understand how they can contribute to the relief effort. Ours is a resilient family and I’m proud of the effort employees are making to look after their neighbours and fellow citizens.”
ConocoPhillips has also contributed $US1 million to the American Red Cross. Additionally, the company said that US paid employees and retirees can have their personal contributions matched through ConocoPhillips Matching Gift Program.
Ryan Lance, ConocoPhillips chairman and CEO, said: “All of us at ConocoPhillips are deeply saddened by the loss of life and unprecedented damage occurring from Hurricane Harvey. Our thoughts are with all of those affected by the disaster including our many employees, friends and neighbours across the Gulf Coast.
“With the storm system still affecting a large portion of the area for the foreseeable future, it is our sincere hope that this contribution will help the people harmed most by this storm to overcome current and future hardships.”
Venezuela has offered US$5 million to victims of Harvey in the United States despite a major economic crisis in the South American country which has left millions short of food and medicine.
Venezuela’s US-based oil subsidiary Citgo, a unit of state oil company PDVSA, will cooperate with local authorities in Houston to distribute the funds, Foreign Minister Jorge Arreaza said on state television.