2.89 in western WV this afternoon, despite a 'run' last Friday on gas stations when rumors flew that because of Rita, gas prices would rise to 5-6.00 per gallon. The 'run' depleted every gas station's regular unleaded for the entire weekend until tankers began pulling in late yesterday and today to re-supply the stations.
I saw some 'ugly' behaviors last Friday. It wasn't as if we had to evacuate in these parts; more like simple greed to top off the tanks and fill up the portable gas cans. 'Get there first' mentality. I would imagine most vehicles probably already had half a tank or more before they pulled in for more.
People were more ill-behaved than when there is an announcement of an approaching snow storm when invariably there is a run on the grocery stores for bread and milk (and pop and junk food).
As much as Americans seemed to pull together immediately after Sept 11, 2001, we are fully back to a 'me-first' mentality. We haven't seemed to have learned the lesson very well to look out for one another....
I disagree about filling up when you can. It's best for the vehicle to drive "off the top" of the tank, as less condensation occurs. Keeping a full tank and a few spare jerry cans (rotating the fuel monthly) is only prudent, even when there is no immediate threat of shortage.
That said, some folks do tned to get nasty for the slightest reason.