After the 2005 and 2008 gas shortages due to hurricanes hitting the Gulf Coast, the city of Asheville developed reserves and a conservation plan. With Hurricane Isaac moving towards the same area, Asheville Fire Department Chief Scott Burnette says the city is well-prepared. It was a common sight on I-26 during the 2008 gas shortage – tourists bringing extra gasoline with them to Asheville. (photo by Bill Rhodes)
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A new hotel, fuel issues and a big thanks to the N.C. DOT.
On what was supposed to be an off week for City Council, it will convene nonetheless in a special meeting to address concerns over local gasoline supply and, more ominously, the potential impacts to the city from the current financial-market meltdown.
A statement from the office of Gov. Mike Easley today announced that Gulf Coast pipelines are operating at normal capacity, though it will take a week for the new fuel to reach North Carolina. Meanwhile, 50 to 100 extra tankers a day continue to come into Western North Carolina and Charlotte to deal with the shortage.
We’re all, to some extent, motivated by fear, particularly fear of what we can’t control. As a parent, I realize that there’s a lot to be scared of, but I also recognize that, outside of encasing my kids in plastic bubbles, there’s only so much I can control.
The office of Gov. Mike Easley announced that additional fuel tankers carrying hundreds of thousands of gallons from Wilmington, Tennessee and South Carolina are being sent to the gas-starved region, as the major oil companies agreed to release more supplies.
Out of gas? Waited in line for two hours to fill up? Finding other ways to get around? Working from home? The Xpress wants to hear your tales of getting through the gas crunch.
Long gas lines and hours of waiting to fill up aren’t over yet. According to a release from Buncombe County this morning, “local distributors report that it will be at least another week before fuel is flowing regularly in our area.” The release also asks citizens to not panic and conserve when possible.
