Gasoline prices eased a bit as oil companies reported that the damage from Hurricane Ike to production platforms and refineries appears to be relatively minor.

Government data show the nation’s industrial output plunged in August by 1.1 percent, nearly four times the amount that had been expected.

A combined blow from Hurricanes Gustav and Ike has shut down almost all oil and natural gas production in the Gulf of Mexico and handicapped refinery operations in Texas and Louisiana.

A combined blow from Hurricanes Gustav and Ike has shut down almost all oil and natural gas production in the Gulf of Mexico and handicapped refinery operations in Texas and Louisiana.

For the second time in two weeks, a powerful hurricane is forcing oil companies to shut down major production and refining facilities.

Analysts say Gustav’s punishing blow to the Louisiana coastline will cost nowhere near as much as the industry’s single largest insured loss three years ago.

Stocks fell around the world Monday, led by Asian exchanges as concerns about a slowing global economy weighed on the markets.

The nation’s airlines had hoped for a fresh start after Labor Day, with streamlined schedules and smaller fleets that were meant to help them cope better with the high cost of jet fuel.

Waves of relief rather than water washed over the oil patch after Hurricane Gustav’s punch appeared to be much less powerful than those of Hurricanes Rita and Katrina three years ago.

Energy companies shut down production and refining operations throughout the weekend in preparation for an intensifying Hurricane Gustav to hit in the heart of the Gulf of Mexico oil patch.