Storm-hit US refiners cancel Mexico oil cargoes

MEXICO CITY, Sept 18 (Reuters) - Some U.S. oil refiners affected by Hurricanes Gustav and Ike canceled some Mexican crude oil cargoes, a spokesperson for Mexico's state oil company Pemex said on Thursday.

"There have been some cancellations by some clients," said the spokesperson.

He added that the cancellations had not had a significant impact to Pemex's operations.

The spokesperson declined to provide further details about the cancellations.

Nearly a quarter of U.S. refinery capacity was shut last week following the two hurricanes.

Eleven oil refineries in Texas and Louisiana were still shut on Thursday, including Valero Energy Corp's Port Arthur, Texas refinery and Exxon Mobil Corp's Beaumont, Texas refinery. Both process a large amount of Mexican crude oil.

Pemex's joint venture refinery with Royal Dutch Shell Plc (RDSa.L), also a major consumer of Mexican crude oil, began restarting its operations on Tuesday. (Reporting by Robert Campbell) (R.Campbell@thomsonreuters.com; +52 55 5282 7142; Reuters Messaging: robert.campbell.reuters.com@reuters.net))