Shell Evacuates US Gulf Amid Hurricane Fear

Oil giant Shell has closed down its US operations in the Gulf of Mexico following fears that the first hurricane of the season could tear through the region this week.

Forecasters have predicted a hurricane at the end of the week leading Shell to evacuate its non-essential staff today according to US reports.

Two years ago hurricanes Katrina and Rita caused over $20bn of damage to oil rigs and platforms in the region.

US oil prices rose 1% yesterday, the biggest one-day gain for two weeks.

Reported by staff writer