Friday, September 26, 2008

Charlotte Gas Crisis 2008

Too bad that's just the beginning of the line. . .

I didn't explain in my last post why we have no gas here in Charlotte.  The post was already long enough as it was!  But since a lot of you are wondering, apparently the deal is that because of the hurricanes in Texas, a lot of the refineries that supply our area were shut down and are not back up to 100% yet, so the pipeline that delivers the gas from Texas to us has not been sending much.  I can only speak first hand on the Charlotte situation, but from what I heard, this is affecting the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida.  Click here if you're interested in reading more.

Here's a little snippet from a local news website:

Gas stations are getting gas, then it's gone in a few short hours!  How much longer until we get some relief from the limited supply of petro?  Mayor Pat McCrory says today Charlotte will get "an extremely large" supply that should bring major relief.  Gas is being sent on the pipeline from Baltimore and Houston now, as well as being trucked in from Wilmington.  Officials are asking that until that large amount of gas arrives to only get fuel if you are below 1/4 of a tank...not to top off your tank...not to hoard gas...not to put it into unsafe containers...and not to block intersections or travel lanes while waiting in line.   Also DO NOT call 911 for information on gas stations with gas. If you spot gas or have an update for us, let us know.  Remember... it could be worse!  We are all in this together, and there is no need to panic.  Courtesy and kindness can go a long way until then!

Update on our situation:

I drove Patrick to work this morning so that I could have his car (which had about 3/4 tank) today for taking the girls to/from school, me to my post-op appointment, and Berkeley to ballet.  (Kendall had to miss ballet last night because we didn't have enough gas to make it there and back.)  On my way home from my appointment, I noticed the station where I sat for 45 minutes yesterday waiting (in vain!) had lines again.  I was able to get in line soon enough that I just waited for 30 minutes!  I topped off Patrick's tank (yes, I know I'm not supposed to do that, but I figured since my car was on E, we needed to have at least ONE car that was full) and then filled up the gas can.  I came home and put those two gallons in my car.  After taking Berkeley to ballet, the gauge now says "55 miles to empty."

A Nashville station out of gas. Hurricanes knocked offshore production out of service in the Gulf of Mexico, disrupting regional supply.

11 comments:

It's Been a Day! said...

you would think this would be affecting us as well, but it's not. gas prices have actually gone down. we didn't even have a problem before the hurricane's hit. gas is flowing like water around here!

Corrine said...

gas has gone down here too now its only 4.16 a gallon....glad you found some gas and were able to fill up a can, can you "steal" some from Patrick's car?

Catherine said...

I didn't know anyone other than my kids visited my blog...I totally feel for you with kids in the car...I raised 7 remember?. I really enjoyed going to your blog and seeing all the pics from Kendall and her sisters.I MISS HER SWEETNESS IN MY CLASS! Lets hope Gas shortage in Charlotte will soon go in the history books next to stories about Hugo, as adventures we foundly remember about but hope we never have to live through again!

Tracy said...

Crazy. No complaints from me--our prices have dropped too. We're down to $3.50 from over $4--my Suburban only took $105 yesterday to fill. It was awesome. My question is what the limited supply back east is costing you!?

William Cooper said...

The situation shows that this area of North Carolina has had no backup plan. I really think its time for Pat McCrory, Bev Perdue, and Governor Mike Easley to show that they have a plan to prevent this from happening again. Anytime a hurricane hits the gulf, you are going to see this problem.

The Kerr Family said...

It's Sunday now and I'm really hoping that you've been able to get gas. Let me know if you want me to watch the girls while you go out gas-hunting.

Tamara said...

Crazy! I hope you guys get gas soon...

Dana said...

Although we now have gas in Houston I feel your pain. I was doing the same thing a week before and after Ike hit us. We just got our electricy back on Saturday night. That was 14 days without power...and yes we were using extra gas to fuel our generator. Sorry this is hitting ya'll so far away too:(

Shirlee said...

It does get better! The lines for gas here in Houston are non-existent anymore. The craze lasted about a week. I actually held out that long, thank goodness.

jessie said...

If the shortage continues.. I'm not sure you'd want to make the trek out by us, but there are a few gas stations within a few minutes from our house that for the most part have had gas and no lines every time we go to fill up. I've gone in the morning and filled up twice without waiting. Justin's also not had to wait yet. Maybe we just got lucky? I think it might be because these stations aren't on Independence or near other major roads.

Lauren said...

Are you kidding? I can't imagine waiting in the car for that long with my kids all strapped in the back and screaming. I am so sorry. Even though i have to walk my kids to school in the pouring rain sometimes I love not having a car.

I hope it gets better - what a disaster.