There are definitely shortcomings, and lessons not learned.
The same people that complain about anti-gouging laws (which allow price increases, with limits) don’t seem to have a problem with the fact that government employees (cops) are the only thing stopping the mob from taking the fuel they need. I don’t support the “self-serve only” laws, but a disaster is not the time to have people start handling their own gas - they literally don’t know how to; maybe this will serve as motivation to allow self-serve when this is resolved.
You’re right that this should have been wargamed (especially after 9/11 and Hurricane Irene). I don’t think any contingency plan exists for such a large, concentrated population.
Apples and oranges. Police is a valid function of local government. Interference with market pricing is not a valid function of state government.