There have been continual shortages and out-of-gas situs, here in western NC, for the past 2 weeks.
The official reason bantered on the local talking heads is that the pipeline that flows gasoline and other
petro products, Colonial Pipeline Co., (see link below), has been at:
-25% of normal volume
-50% " " "
-75% " " "
take your pick, as reported by our local geniuses.
Some state level congressmen were jawing about an investigation, suing the Oil Companies, more taxes
on them, etc.
Absolfookinlute idiots. Meanwhile, Gov Easley, who couldn't find "western NC" on
a fookin map is playing his fiddle. Ah, our elected defenders...
The finger pointing is two part: the pipe line needed maintenance and/or the refiners shut down/got blasted
due to 'Cane Ike.
This is not a very populated area, (Asheville>>>west to TN), but one would think we were back in the early
'70s with the current enormous gas lines. Most of the schools, public offices, many business, gov't stuff, et al,
have all gone to 4 day weeks, given extra days off, shut down to a couple days per week, etc.
Amazing situ and an even more amazing reaction. I suspect there is some hardship and real situs, but many
in "line" are paranoid, topping tanks, etc. A fookin nightmare.
The Vette is full, the CRV-Fridge is 3/4s and the X is bone freakin dry...I refuse to sit in a line for an hour,
when one finds a station that has some gas.
It is supposed to be "cleared up", back to near normal by middle or end of this next week. The weird part is
prices are way down even with very little supply.
That's the report from HillbillyHeaven...guess it didn't make the national news,
Colonial Pipeline:
http://www.colpipe.com/home.asp