Daily Auto News No End in Sight to Southern Gas Shortage
Posted by admin on Tuesday Sep 30, 2008 Under Daily Auto News
Daily Auto News
Gas prices are declining in most parts of the country, but a handful of Southeastern states are watching a gas shortage that began with Hurricane Ike stretch into its third week — with little hope for an end soon.
USA Today reports, “A storm-related gas shortage in the Southeast that has left some places bone-dry and others with two-hour gas lines is expected to continue for at least another two weeks, energy experts and industry officials say.” The shortage is at its worst in Atlanta, Georgia, parts of the Carolinas and Alabama. “The pipelines that supply the region are operating at less than normal capacity, due largely to storm-related power outages at Texas refineries.” The New York Times adds, “Southern drivers could continue to face long lines, high prices and widespread station closings until mid-October, the AAA automobile club said Monday, although the problem may begin to improve this week.” The shortage has shortened tempers. “Radio stations let callers fume about the shortage over the airwaves. Fights have been reported at many gas stations. And a community college system in Asheville, N.C., closed temporarily last week after many students stopped driving to class. In Douglas County, Ga., the police issued a request for motorists to stop calling 911 for help finding open gas stations.” The problem won’t end until refineries damaged by the storm come back on-line. The Times continues, “Electrical power is now coming back to refineries in Louisiana and Texas. ConocoPhillips said Monday that its large Alliance and Lake Charles refineries in Louisiana were back on line. A few refineries, including an ExxonMobil facility in Beaumont, Tex…will not be fully repaired for at least several weeks.” The Atlanta Journal-Constitution adds, “The U.S. Department of Energy reported on Monday that only two of 33 Gulf Coast refineries affected by hurricanes Gustav and Ike remain shut down. However, 13 others were still either in restart mode or producing less gas than normal, the DOE said.” Research the best cars in every class with U.S. News’ car rankings and reviews. While you’re at it, you might want to read about fuel-conservation tips to help you ride out the shortage.
