The aftermath of Katrina has affected more that just New Orleans and the surrounding gulf coast. There are huge financial implications associated with the catastrophe, from the initial humanitarian aid to the rebuilding and repairing needed to get the local area back on its feet. Eight oil refineries shut down as a result of Katrina could take many months to restart. The Gulf Coast is a prime supplier of oil, through pipelines now shut due to lack of power and ocean-going barges unable to load from ports eradicated by the storm.
From a global perspective, the loss of oil production in the area is sending shockwaves through the world
