But since then stocks have been rising as wholesalers prepared for the shortage, and as a result prices have come down again. Oil traders and consumers in the United States have long been nervous about the months ahead, following a number of refinery fires, as well as warnings from President George Bush about a looming energy crisis. The extent of the damage is still being examined, but the repair bill is expected to run into millions of dollars. The cause of the fire is thought to be human error, and a full investigation is under way. It has the capacity to process 545,000 barrels of crude oil a day and with 2,000 staff is the largest private employer on the Virgin Islands.
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