Can oil companies handle more storms?

As they brace for next hurricane season, a manpower shortage slows efforts to secure offshore facilities.

HOUSTON

But a manpower shortage is hampering these efforts. The shortage is so acute that many companies are still working on last year’s equipment failures. Nine months after hurricanes Katrina and Rita moved through, 21 percent of the Gulf’s oil production and 13 percent of its natural-gas production remain offline.

Even more disconcerting to consumers is that oil and natural gas prices could rise even higher if another strong storm hits the Gulf.

Christian Science Monitor