[buckalfa]

Upstate SC in similar but not quite as desire situation. I have heard wholesalers have gas, but many independents are refusing to buy at the price it is being offered. The reason being if they have to sell it at $4.50 plus to the consumer, just to cover actual cost, they run a risk of an investigation by the SC Attorney General over price gouging. Free market needs to be allowed to work to correct this artificial market imbalance.

[ClearCase_guy]

The government excells at creating economic problems, doesn’t it? Perhaps some taxpayer-funded scheme, or additional layers of regulation would alleviate the pain. No?

[Between the Lines]

We had plenty of gas here in York county until two days ago. The shortage in Charlotte has spilled over the state line and they have sucked our pumps dry too.

[LikeLight]

The reason being if they have to sell it at $4.50 plus to the consumer, just to cover actual cost, they run a risk of an investigation by the SC Attorney General over price gouging. Free market needs to be allowed to work to correct this artificial market imbalance.

Amen! ECON 101 = Price controls ALWAYS produce a shortage. Amazing how everyone (politicians especially) seem surprised when this happens. It's a no brainer. If you want the gas, you gotta let the price rise. Fear of criminal charges for "gouging" is driving the shortage - it's de facto price control by fear.