Let's Share Gas Shortage Info

[CarolA]

Well my boyfriend used to work for a hazardous waste contractor and there are DEFINITELY pipelines in GA. I can even show you some of the "holding tank" farms... So I am not sure why GA would not use them.. that makes no sense....

 

[B'rer Karen]

I know you think your being selfish by going on your trip, but your actually helping. Think about it, your helping the economy by spending. What hurts the economy is when everyone holds on to their money and doesn't buy anything, then it tanks. Besides, I also read that Disney gave upwards of $2.5 million to the relief efforts, so in a sense your supporting the company that is making these contributions. Like they said after 9/11, go on about your normal business, make normal purchases and keep the economy strong.

I think your also right that everyone clammered to the pumps to get the last bit of cheap gas. Our stations are at $3.09 here in West Virginia and no more than one or two cars at the pumps...granted, everyone probably filled up yesterday. I read that the pipeline is coming back online as we speak and building up more and more...besides, most of Georgia doesn't even rely on a pipeline for their fuel...they get it from the coast.

I'm leaving for Disney on Sept. 7, just six days away. I'll be staying the night in Charlotte. I think our best bet is to look for gas when we reach half a tank, just in case a few stations are out of product...but I would think the panic should be under control by that time....

What do you guys think?

I think you're absolutely right about helping the economy. You also made me think about not waiting until I'm on empty to get gas. I'm leaving for Disney on the 10th and normally I will go until I'm just about out of gas and stop at the next station. But I will definitely start looking to fill up at the halfway point so I don't end up in a panic. Hopefully gas will be flowing better by next Saturday and it won't be an issue.

 

[B'rer Karen]

I live in southern GA near the Florida line off I-75. We have no gas shortages, but prices are averaging $3.33 today. We are headed to Orlando tomorrow. I am worried about getting gas on Monday for our return trip. I know Orlando has experienced some stations running out. If people continue to panic the shortages there could continue.

I don't care about coming back, I just want to get there. I'd be happy to call my boss and tell him I can't come back quite yet because there isn't any gas in Orlando.

 

[auntpolly]

LOL I was just wondering how high gas would have to go for us all to cancel our trips???

We sure love our Disney, don't we?


I just can't wait to get there!!!!

 

[CarolA]

I don't care about coming back, I just want to get there. I'd be happy to call my boss and tell him I can't come back quite yet because there isn't any gas in Orlando.

 

[poohj80]

Here's an update from a local Orlando station:

http://www.local6.com/news/4924709/detail.html

 

[ralphd]

I live in Burlington, NC which is along the I-40, I-85 route. We were informed by our Governor yesterday to conserve to the max. We live about 20 miles from a major gas storage facility that has 2 pipelines running directly from LA. Because of no electricity, these lines are 90% empty. Our gas prices rose from 2.50 to 3.50 in one day.

One pipeline runs from Texas and one from Louisiana and Mississippi. The problem is electrical power in the Miss, Louisiana and Alabama areas. The pipeline is at 25-35% capacity today. The pipelines pass thru the Atlanta area.
Georgia will have some spot shortages, but driving should not be a problem. Some stations are pumping gas in the morning and shutting down around 4:00 in the afternoon. Gas runs from $2.82 to $3.29 at the stations I passed on the east side of Atlanta.
Florida is having more problems than some states because of petroleum transportation (Example: by barge to Tampa).

 

[!@#$%]

Brer karen. Very good! I am hoping that by the time we get ready to leave the world that it will all be almost over. If I have to extend the stay a day or two to save some $ in gas, oh bother as Pooh says. We are considering a carpool with my parents as we speak. The problem is neither of us have a good vehicle for the purpose. My E-350 would suck the pumps dry!!! Plus its VERY unreliable. Transmission is falling out, and our cars are both too small for all 6 of us. Carpooling is a good idea to anyone else out there! Maybe someone ought to start a thread for that.

 

[HopperFan]

Both Colonial and Plantation pipelines run through Georgia and provide gas through at least 5 different terminals. I grew up by one that actually had an explosion and it takes a long time to rebuild those infrastructures. While I am sure some gas comes via trucks that is a drop in the bucket, to what comes via the pipelines. These pipelines leave Georgia and then travel to the northeast. So whatever amounts they have been able to pass through today have to service many states. While it is great the pipeline companys are getting up to speed quickly that does not mean the rigs and refineries that have been damaged will be and therefore at some point the flow could slow down again. I don't think the pipelines are as much as issue as how much damage was done to the rigs and refineries and how long the repair work will take.

Black562, your same newspaper you quote from also said Georgia "State officials are anticipating difficulty receiving gasoline deliveries statewide due to the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. " I agree yesterday there was panic. But now 24 hours later of the four stations by me, two still have NO gas (where is the excess), one only has premium it is selling for $3.35 gallon, and the other was only selling premium for $3.57 a gallon but as I stopped (and did not wait in line) they had just opened up the regular at $3.15.

So for now, I plan to conserve, cut back where I can (like combining my errands into one trip), drive our most efficient vehicle the most........so when I head to the Mouse I will know I tried to conserve......this could be a long process of recovery once they evaluate the sources.

 

[Ted and Holly]

Here's an update from a local Orlando station:

http://www.local6.com/news/4924709/detail.html

I don't doubt it. We were out on 192 last night and there were lines at every pump. The reaction to rumors of shortages are making things worse.

But, keep in mind that WDW is pretty close to some more rural areas where lines, if any, might be a bit shorter and gas should last longer.

If people around the South would stop filling up every car, gas can, and even 55 gallon drum they can get their hands on, we would be in a lot better shape.

Ted

 

[ralphd]

One pipeline runs from Texas and one from Louisiana and Mississippi. The problem is electrical power in the Miss, Louisiana and Alabama areas. The pipeline is at 25-35% capacity today. The pipelines pass thru the Atlanta area.
Georgia will have some spot shortages, but driving should not be a problem. Some stations are pumping gas in the morning and shutting down around 4:00 in the afternoon. Gas runs from $2.82 to $3.29 at the stations I passed on the east side of Atlanta.
Florida is having more problems than some states because of petroleum transportation (Example: by barge to Tampa).

Announced tonight Colonial Pipeline is up to 40% and Plantation is up to 50%
capacity.

 

[lovethattink]

Here's the gas news from Tampa. http://abcactionnews.com/ They also reported that the Tampa airport only has enough jet fuel until Sept 12.

 

[Uncleromulus]

I agree with the posters who suggest this is mostly a case of self-inflicted, panic induced, buying (aided and abetted by the media) --many who don't really need gas, but want that last tankful at a lower price.
For the record-Glen Rock Pa, Regular at $2.75 a gallon. NO one in line when I got gas yesterday around 7:00AM.

 

[poohj80]

Our prices jumped form $2.99 yesterday to $3.21 this morning. Family around the Sarasota, FL area have said some stations are out of regular unleaded and the Sam's Club had to refill their tanks twice yesterday (makes sense since they are usually cheaper, but at least there is gas available to refill their tanks).

 

[CarolA]

Here's the gas news from Tampa. http://abcactionnews.com/ They also reported that the Tampa airport only has enough jet fuel until Sept 12.

Well, is that more or less then the usually have? I mean I don't think that most airports keep a month's supply on hand so this could be about normal or it could be low... without historical data it's just hard to say.

 

[csaag]

Pipelines are starting back up.
News article from AP:
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BUDAPEST, Hungary - Gasoline futures prices fell Friday for the first time in a week as some fuel pipelines on the U.S. Gulf Coast began to restart operations shut in the wake of Hurricane Katrina.

Japan, meanwhile, said it was considering releasing some of its strategic stockpiles to meet shortages in the United States. And EU security affairs chief Javier Solana said European Union members are making offers to provide oil to the United States from their reserves.

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However I have a feeling even when pipelines are at 100% gas prices won't drop to the pre-Katrina levels.

 

[black562]

In other news, the Plantation pipeline to Charlotte has now been restored to full capacity and the Colonial pipeline will be at 85% by the weekend.

 

[stschaefer]

Thanks Black562,

Will be heading down to WDW at 3:30. Gas situation looks good going down - just have to make sure to hit gas at right areas. Disney says they get their supply from Virgin Islands and have not been hampered by Katrina. Looking forward to a magical first trip for my DD (3). First trip to WDW as a family!!!

 

[poohj80]

Have a safe trip! We'll be right behind you in the morning.

 

[dismom9761]

have a magical trip!We leave first thing Monday morning.