Gas Prices/Gas Shortages

[ny32182]

I have no idea how widespread this is. I know that gas stations in the triangle between Greenville SC, Columbia SC, and Charlotte NC are shutting down right now. If you live in this area, heads up... go fill up your car right now. And expect a big line to wait in.

 

[HighVelocity]

I wonder if they're not getting fuel deliveries because of refinery shutdowns.

 

[Zrex]

Internet Rumor Sparks Gas Grab

SOUTH FLORIDA -- A bogus e-mail rumor sparked a run on South Florida gas stations Tuesday night that left at least one station dry.

Local 10 News received numerous calls from viewers saying that the e-mail said gas stations would close at midnight and remained closed two to three days. Local 10 News confirmed that the rumor is false.

 

[LiquidTension]

I filled up this morning after I got off ~0730. I paid 2.49. Last I checked, the same station was up to 2.99. The problem is that people bought into the urban myth that prices were going to go up so they all flooded the gas stations. Naturally, this rush is what caused prices to go up since the shortage hasn't really hit yet. Self-fulfilling prophecy :banghead:

edit:

To keep this gun related, how long do you think it'll be before people start fighting over pumps....and could muzzle blast ignite gas fumes?

 

[sumpnz]

and could muzzle blast ignite gas fumes

Yeah, probably. But unless there was an open pool of gas the worst you might get is a brief flash, and for even that to occur you'd have to be firing pretty close to the source of the fumes.

 

[Waitone]

The longer I observe life in these United States the more I am convinced that our irresponsible, lazy, uninformed, and overly aggressive media is doing far more damage than good. The problem is exaggerated during times of duress like terror events and natural disasters.

To what do I refer? Media has consistently said "Oil is now trading at a record price of $xx per barrel." Wrong O, media. Futures contracts are trading at $XX per barrel. Delivered prices based on existing contracts is somewhat lower. Do everyone a favor and report facts. It may require you to look at two numbers and maybe do a long division, but at least you won't be whipping up chaos.

<These people make me sick with their laziness.>

 

[frenchwrench]

Unleaded regular is at $3.20 a gallon in Ft Wayne Indiana. Time to ride the motorcycle.

 

[Coronach]

Whenever there is a major world event, a significant portion of the population goes to fill up their gas tanks. This is human nature and, frankly, I do it, too.

Anyone knows what happens if most of the USA goes to the pumps on one day and tanks up?

Shortages. Now, is this a real shortage? No. But suddenly all the sheep realize that the tanks at the gas station are not bottomless, and that there is a real potential for a short-term shortfall. Suddenly, everyone is buying gas cans and hoarding what gas is left.

Couple this with the very real mid-term shortfall that Katrina's damage will cause, and you have a serious panic situation in regards to gasoline. This is why gas stations are driving their prices up now, because price moderates demand. If you go to the gas station, intent on topping off your car and filling up a few five-gallon cans and see prices of $3.00/gallon, you will probably go "Uhm...maybe not", unless the sitaution is really bleak. The price hike is a way of keeping the supplies we have availiable to those who really need it (read: those who will pay) and generally smoothing over the whole crisis.

I don't like the price hikes- my truck has a 25 gallon tank and I get 15 mpg. But I recognize them as a necessity.

Mike

 

[HighVelocity]

I own my own business and have 3 trucks. I topped them all off on Sunday. Total about 140 gallons. :banghead:

 

[Lone_Gunman]

Gas prices just broke $3.00 per gallon in Georgia...

Gas prices this morning were around $2.65, and are now $3.01...

There are currently lines at all the stations down here, and the local news is reporting there has been a "gas panic" because of the disaster in New Orleans... is this happening anywhere else, or have people here just gone crazy? Are we being gouged by gas retailers? A 36 cent per gallon increase in 12 hrs seems a bit much!

 

[dasmi]

Hmm, for once San Diego won't lead the nation in gas prices.

 

[Standing Wolf]

...our irresponsible, lazy, uninformed, and overly aggressive media is doing far more damage than good. The problem is exaggerated during times of duress like terror events and natural disasters.

They'll continue to behave badly until we ignore them.

 

[Waitone]

How long before some economic ignoramus says, "Hey, we need gas rationing."

I'll wager we'll hear it tomorrow.

Having been through the Nixon, Ford, and Carter oil shocks, I want nothing to do with it.

 

[Greg L]

Cincinnati area:

$2.65 on the way to the Dr.'s office this morning, $3.09 on the way home .

 

[kbr80]

2.94 regular unleaded in Arkansas, at the cheapest place in town, wally world.

 

[Jeeper]

Gas pricing has always bothered me. If they bought the supply that is in their current tanks underground at a certain price then why should it go up before they get the next higher priced supply?

 

[gulogulo1970]

Regular unleaded yesterday in Dallas: $2.59, Today: $3.00.

Predictions of $4.00 gas by Monday. Glad I drive a Honda Civic, even so, it's taking a big bite out of my desposable income.

Inflation is going to come back in a big way if this keeps up!

 

[GhostRider66]

Just got off the phone with my wife. She said that some stations in Atlanta (where daughter lives) are gouging....$5.54/gallon. Dear Lord!

 

[Stoney]

$ 3.09 to $ 3.25 in central Ohio. Get use to it, it's going to be this way for some time.

 

[dolanp]

There is a station in Dallas selling at $3.09 but most stations are still below $3.

 

[Standing Wolf]

Well, yeah, but there's no evidence of irrational panic.

 

[Zrex]

$2.59 at some gas station on Valley Mills in Waco. Wife says it was busy, but prices are where they were this morning.

 

[M-Rex]

I'm leaning out my office window here in Northern California. The gas station just posted $3.01/99 per gallon for regular gasoline.

 

[mussi]

OK....

1 US gallon is 4.54 litres.

You pay 3 US-$ per gallon, which makes it 3/4.54, or something like 66 cents per litre, or 82 Swiss centimes.

However, we pay 1.65 for 95 octane.

In other words, if you really want expensive fuel, come to Europe.

 

[Luchtaine]

Sounds like Gougeing to me, especially since the price per barrel went down when they announced the release of some of the strategic reserves.

I haven't gone to the gas station today so I can't tell yaq if anythings going on here. Course they are probably just saying oh hey look our prices have just been justified. some areas were over 3 dollars already arond here.