Irene likely to shut-down refineries

Shut-downs already fueling hike in gas prices

Houston — The Houston Chronicle is reporting; East Coast refineries are likely to close in advance of Hurricane Irene's arrival this weekend, analysts say. The shutdowns are already boosting gasoline prices.

The storm pounded the Bahamas Thursday with winds of 115 mph and it could reach East Coast refineries, which are concentrated in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, by Sunday afternoon.

Refineries are already starting to turn off equipment and tie things down.

To read more on the shut-downs, head to The Houston Chronicle's website: http://www.chron.com/business/article/Refineries-likely-to-shut-as-Hurricane-Irene-nears-2141527.php [1]