Tropical Storm Barry could drive gas prices higher
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You could be seeing higher gas prices thanks to Tropical Storm Barry. Rising oil prices have been causing the national average price of gas to increase in recent weeks.
But the storm could drive prices even higher. There could also be supply problems.
Oil and gas operators have evacuated hundreds of platforms and rigs in the Gulf of Mexico to escape Tropical Storm Barry.
The U.S. Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement says 283 platforms used for drilling and processing have been evacuated.
Operators have also evacuated 10 of 21 stationary rigs (used just for drilling) and pulled six of 20 moveable rigs out of the storm's path.
The bureau compiles the numbers from industry reports. The bureau estimates that nearly 70% of Gulf oil production and 56% of gas production were turned off Saturday.