The Energy Department says 80% of oil production in the Gulf of Mexico has come to a grinding halt, along with 83% of natural gas production as a result of Hurricane Ida's destructive impact in the region.
The Department of Energy is tapping into the nation's Strategic Petroleum Reserve to help boost fuel supplies.
Exxonmobil in Baton Rouge will get 1.5 million barrels on loan.
A number of oil refineries have had to shut down, and those few still operating complain of difficulty getting oil deliveries from the Gulf of Mexico.
Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm has approved the request.
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