Oil prices have risen more than $1 after energy firms shut down almost all oil production in the Gulf of Mexico as Hurricane Gustav approaches.
The storm is set to hit the Louisana coast west of New Orleans on Monday.
Light, sweet US crude was up $1.04 at $116.50 a barrel in Asian trading. London Brent crude was at $115.02.
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The region produces 25% of the US's crude oil and 15% of its natural gas.
About 4,000 offshore oil and gas facilities are located in the US gulf, 100 of which were badly damaged three years ago by Katrina and the follow on Hurricane Rita.
Crude prices had increased last week as concern mounted about Gustav, before finishing slightly down on Friday.
(BBC)
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