2 out of 3 gas stations down the street

[ShaneGR]

Out of gas, completely. As of 11pm EST. The one station with gas (Marathon) was selling for 2.99 a gallon. Gainesville, Florida just off I-75.

[Erika]

1. Great leadership

W's oil buddies have never seen bigger profits.

[KeepItReal]

2. Gainsville is in the heart of Florida. What is going on?

Are the distributors hoarding oil to justify the prices??

[Hissyspit]

3. Here's a clue from NC:

http://www.wral.com/news/4921679/detail.html

Gov. Mike Easley Statement On N.C. Gasoline Supply

Statement Given Wednesday By Gov. Easley Concerning Gasoline Supply In North Carolina

The two major pipelines that furnish gasoline to many states, including North Carolina, have been affected by
Hurricane Katrina and are currently without electricity. They service North Carolina and 8-10 other states.

90 percent of our gas comes from these pipelines and right now they are not operational.

Suppliers generally have a week or so of supply. They have been shut down since the hurricane.

The pipelines need electric supply and the refineries that produce gasoline need to make urgent repairs also are
without electricity.

The refineries that produce gasoline need to make urgent repairs.

Consequently, we do not know the extent of the problem, but we do know that there will be a signifcant loss of
gasoline in the Southeast, at least in the short term, until the electricity is restored.

This is not only a state problem, this is also a regional and a national problem. We are hoping that the Department of
Energy will take some action as soon as possible. I have tried to get direction from DOE, but they have not yet
responded.

In the meantime, I am asking all North Carolinians to conserve gas. Some stations are already out.Wait for more
information before making Labor Day travel plans.

more at link

[ShaneGR]

4. My understanding

Is that somewhere around 40 and 50% of Florida's oil and natural gas supplies come from Gulf Coast refineries.