Fill 'er up, before it's gone; Some stations out of gas, and situation may worsen

The Arizona Republic ^ | Max Jarman

[hsmomx3]

Gas shortages are hitting some Valley stations, and it could worsen by the weekend.

Many independent stations run by Costco, Safeway and Albertsons were out of gas Thursday, even as the average price of regular unleaded in the Phoenix area hit another record at $1.77 per gallon.

[dalereed]

"This artificial increase in demand is what is driving prices higher over and above what would be expected from the increase in crude oil prices."

Prices are the least of the worry, all wholesale buyers are under federal monthly allotment and if everyone rushes down and fills up there won't be any gas for anyone until next month when it will again be legal to deliver to the stations.

That is exactly what caused the "shortage" in 74. There was no shortage of crude or refined product at any time. One article in the L.A. Times caused the entire shortage in 74.

[Constitution Day]

Good guy, who seemed to really get a kick that a motorist would actually be so interested in what he was doing.

That's cool.
I work for a company that makes gasoline nozzles & other petroleum equipment, and most peoples' eyes glaze over when I describe what we do.

[kaktuskid]

Forced on us by the Feds.

[pyx]

The supply problem stems from the fact that two of the refineries that produce Phoenix's unique oxygenated winter fuel have been shut down.

I am asking out of ignorance about the purpose for this fuel formula; Is this oxygenated winter fuel sold specifically in this area of the country used during winter because of the thin oxygen in the higher mountain areas and therefore increases the burn rate of the fuel ?

And if not, other than simply ambient temperatures generally rising, what changes occur in the area on or about April 1st of each year that necessitates a fuel formula change ?

[onedoug]

Critical work, keeping America, no less the whole world moving, really. Good Job. Thank you!

Beautiful family. Best to you all. Stay True.

[HiJinx]

Not sure I have the right answer, but it has something to do with air movement during winter months...

The oxygenated fuel is supposed to burn with less exhaust emissions, therefore is supposed to put less pollutants in the air, which isn't moving as much and can't get rid of more pollutants.

Which doesn't matter any, anyway. If you've ever driven into Phoenix, you'll know what I mean. You can always tell where it is, from over 100 miles away, just by looking for the muddy brown soup that makes up the air over the city!

[jiggyboy]

You probably will do fine with regular

[YOMO]

That's cool.
I work for a company that makes gasoline nozzles & other petroleum equipment, and most peoples' eyes glaze over when I describe what we do...........................

Tell me. Do they realy put vasoline on the nozzles before inserting them? We have been shafted for years. Time to drill here.

[Constitution Day]

Don't ask me.
We have no control over what the oil companies do with our product once they've bought it.

As to "Time to drill here", I agree 100%.

[1Old Pro]

Things are getting out of control. Home heating fuel goes from $1.06 a gallon to $1.86?? That's a problem. Fuel has been running out at places and it's up significantly.

[kaktuskid]

April is usually the end of winter inversion season...and the beginning of ozone season

[kaktuskid]

Which is mostly dust...plus the junk from snowbird vehicles...and the Mexican license plated junkers from our southern
neighbors.

[HungarianGypsy]

It seems that way to me. What time of year is it? It's Spring. I have noticed every Spring the gas prices climb higher and higher through the summer. Then, plummet around Fall. I wonder if this gas gouging has more to do with the time of year, plus adding the war excuse they try to get more.