It's very easy to see why there's a fuel problem in our area. In my town, 54% of the folks still have no power as of today. We've lived through many major storms while living here, and there's never been so much damage to power lines, AND such a poor response by Con Ed. I understand that Con Ed is following some presumably sensible prioritization of its resources, but this is the worst storm response I've ever seen in terms of manpower in our area. I presume the've "robbed from Peter to pay Paul," sending resources normally allocated to our area to the city. I also hear they are running out of materials; specifically wire. At the rate they are going, it's going to be a month before some homes see power.
If just 50% of those still without power in our town are running 5,000w generators, (certainly many have much more powerful units), that's about an extra 28 gallons per week of extra consumption per week, per household. I'd bet that probably about doubles the average fuel consumption per household, (although probably a bit less than double for the households with V8 X5s
). I don't see how the current system of wholesale deliveries can keep up to demand. Even if there's enough fuel at the depots, there simply are not enough tankers.
I'm basing this on the fact that a 5,000 watt generator takes about 15 gallons per day to run, assuming about 50% load, running non-stop. At least this is what mine uses.
The only thing that can possibly ease this gas situation is the restoration of household power throughout the area. All the gas stations in my town are currently sold out. They get their deliveries, then sell out in a day or so. Wait a couple of days closed, then they open for a day.
One thing I did do to help out was lend my generator to my friend and local BMW Indie. (Always helps to get on their good side.) Besides, he's got three very little kids at home.