Gas shortages: Get ready for more

[robertpaulsen]

Gas shortages: Get ready for more

The long lines and closed pumps seen across the South last week are a warning: inventories are way too low.
By Brian O'Keefe, senior editor
Last Updated: September 30, 2008: 7:29 AM ET

NEW YORK (Fortune) -- While Congress and Bush administration officials have been working to complete a bailout plan and stem the financial contagion on Wall Street, a different kind of economic crisis emerged across the South this week: A severe, hurricane-related gasoline shortage has curtailed trucking from Atlanta to Asheville, N.C., and created a wave of panic buying among motorists.

The return of gas lines has largely flown under the radar of politicians who are usually keenly attuned, because their constituents are, to what's going on at the pump. But more of the Capitol gang should be paying attention to this.

That's because nationwide our gasoline inventory is shockingly low. Liquidity must be restored soon to this market, or we could be facing a crippling run on the gasoline bank. And if you think Americans are outraged about Wall Street, wait until their Main Street grocery store doesn't get the bread and milk delivery for a week or two.

more...

http://money.cnn.com/2008/09/26/news/economy/gasshortage_okeefe.fortune/index.htm?postversion=2008092613

I think James Howard Kunstler has the best description of the GOP: "The party that wrecked America".

[boobooday]

1. We had no gasoline here for at least five days

In Tallahassee. It was eerie driving around with all the stations closed and deserted. Looked a little like an omen.

[hogwyld]

2. Don't worry, the Volt will save us!

We just need to hold off eating for a year or two!

[GAtomboy]

3. Scarce

30 minutes north of Atlanta and gas is almost nowhere to be found for the past 2/3 weeks. It's getting old fast. When we do find gas it's usually a 15-20 min wait to pay $4+ for regular!!!

[amdezurik]

4. well they drew them down to raise prices

now they are (again) feigning a shortage to bump them up again...

[Subdivisions]

5. BATSHIT LUNACY! CONSPIRACY THEORY!!!1!!1 SERIES!!111! n/t