Im not whining, just stating the facts. Gas in Columbia, SC (the cheapest in the nation) went from an avreage of 2.60 this morning to 2.99 at lunch. Many stations are running out, and lines are growing extremely long. Some of the surrounding towns are complete out. We need to build refineries ASAP.
And if everybody panics, runs out and fills up their car, we'll have gas lines everywhere.
Not the thing to do, folks.
Use the brain.
We bought gas for 2.83 at a station this morning because most others were at 2.99. Coming back this afternoon the price was up to 3.35 at the same station and most others.
That's nothing, upstate ny we went from 2.75 to 3.35 overnight.
Gasoline retailers ordinarily raise the prices just before Labor Day weekend, but now they have even more "reason" to jack up the prices (even though the wholesale price of the gas in the tanks at the stations wasn't affected by the Katrina-related impacts on crude production). The station in my town (central valley, Calif.) was selling premium for $3.05 last evening. I'm sure it's higher today.
I've been told by several FReepers there is no shortage, so I don't believe you.