Apache Restarts Aussie Operations

Apache APA, the largest U.S. independent oil and natural gas producer, said it has restarted some production at its Varanus Island natural gas facility in Australia following a suspension of activities there earlier this week in the wake of Tropical Cyclone Carlos, a category 2 cyclone that struck Australia last week. The storm is now moving out to sea after dumping huge amounts of rain on Australia. Chevron CVX, the second-largest U.S. oil company, also halted construction at its $43 billion Gorgon gas project due to the storm. Woodside Petroleum, Australia's second-largest oil and gas producer, said two of its field remain closed because of Carlos.