October 4, 1995
2:00 PM (EST)

                        HURRICANE OPAL - REPORT #1


  To keep you informed about the effect of Hurricane Opal on
offshore energy production in the Gulf of Mexico, the Minerals
Management Service will provide status reports as information
becomes available.


Number of Companies reporting: 77

*Gas Production Shut-In: 7.589 billion cubic feet 

**Oil Production Shut-In: 693,971 barrels

Evacuations: 734 platforms and 109 rigs. 


* Daily Gas Production in the Gulf is about 13 billion cubic feet

** Daily Oil Production in the Gulf is about 800,000 barrels


NOTE: Remote control capabilities make it possible to defer the
shut-in of many gas systems until the hurricane threat is clearly
established.

CONTACT:  Tom DeRocco
          (202) 208-3983             

                                   -MMS-