Here’s What Is Behind A Critical Gas Shortage
May 10, 2021
Gas stations in the Escambia County area are experiencing a critical gas shortage due to a variety of factors, but the biggest single reason in the shutdown of the distribution terminal that serves much of the area.
The recently reported cyber attack on the Colonial Pipeline is creating instability in the market. There’s is also a shortage of fuel truck drivers.
But the Escambia County area is experiencing major problems due to issues at the fuel terminal that serves the area, according to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS).
“FDACS was recently alerted to a potential disruption in the fuel supply impacting the Pensacola region,” Florida Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried said. “This specific disruption is due to a company servicing that area that is unable to meet EPA standards on federal gasoline requirements under the Clean Air Act, which must be met annually by May 1. Given the federal regulation of this issue, FDACS immediately contacted the EPA to ensure situational awareness and facilitate direct communication with industry operators. We continue to encourage the company to quickly resolve this issue and mitigate any impact on the community and residents.”
In addition, local operators tell NorthEscambia.com that panic buying is a problem, much like before an impending hurricane. And they say false social media rumors have made the situation worse.
Pictured: Drivers line up for gas Monday at the Speed Mart on Highway 29 at Tate School Road (above), the Circle K at Highway and East Kingsfield Road (below), and Murphy Oil at the Ensley Walmart (bottom). Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Comments
28 Responses to “Here’s What Is Behind A Critical Gas Shortage”
So I am from Texas, and we’re leaving out for a family vacation to Destin, Fl and we’re driving, should I be worried about the gas shortage that way. We are not having these issues in Texas. This sounds a little scary while taking an 11 hour road trip.
Let’s over regulate everything$$$$$
wow. saw a certain person on here relating to mental disorders, and after reading their psychological evaluation of other people it occurred to me they were just analyzing themselves. the article is about a gas shortage. some on here think that it is selfish for others to fill their cans up. well what if they are worried about a grid down situation, or have someone on O2 and need a generator going, or other reasons. It amazes me how others judge those for what they are doing and then put their opinion on here. this article is about the reason why there was a shortage. good Lord people, go vent somewhere else.
From the article above..
“We continue to encourage the company to quickly resolve this issue and mitigate any impact on the community and residents.”
Encourage???? I think we need to do more than that!!! So is anyone working with this company? Do we have an update on the status of how and when they will meet the EPA standard? Shouldn’t someone be reporting on them and finding out what they are doing to resolve this?
Yesterday one of our employees was heading home from working a job in Gulf Shores. Sadly he wasn’t able to find gas anywhere from gulf shores to Navarre. Thank God we were able to get a few cans of gas here in Destin to bring to him. He was running on fumes when we got to him. Today he didn’t make the trip to his job in gulf shores due to the gas shortages. So don’t judge everyone at the pump for getting cans of gas. I’m sure there are many hoarding gas and panic buying but there may also be others like us that got a call to help someone who is stranded and can’t make it home from work.
Those with conditions such as Borderline Personality Disorder and Narcissistic Personality Disorder often appear rude or inconsiderate due to a lack of empathy and a tendency to disregard others’ feelings.
Lot of that going around in what used to be a close knit community.
“I’m not wearing a mask!” muh freedoms!
“I’m not staying home to stop the spread!” muh freedoms!
“I got my gas, to heck with you!” muh freedoms!
Shameful, selfish knuckleheads.
Still think we can transition away from the oil & gas industry ? Haha not in this lifetime
Well, after reading the numerous comments about filling up my gas cans etc….It is the epitome of greed. What happened to Americans helping others out or caring for the person behind you in line who is in a similar situation? It is sad to see grown adults act like it is all about Me. Some people brought up good points such as what about your neighbor? We will have gas later in the week, so stop panicking. My friend was in line waiting while the guy with the truck and gas cans ran out the pump. Needless to say, she and the others in line did not get gas. We are really seeing people’s true colors. Hopefully, people will be considerate of others.
If you’re collecting unemployment sitting at home, please let those who are working with an actual commute get gas first. Thanks.
I have a little over half a tank. I just told my boss when I get too low to get to work I wont be able to come to work. He understands, but hopes that all will be resolve sooner than later. I wish people were a little more caring and would think about others.
Let’s see, I work 6 days a week 12 hrs a day. So yes I can get as much as I need to continue that pattern. So filling my f150 and 5 cans is the right thing to do. And will do so and if people don’t like it they can kick rocks.
?WAS AN INSPECTION REPORT LATE BEING FILED
Go back to the old style (not using computer that is WWW for someone to hack.) Now it is all easier for one person to use a computer vs paying people to run the pipeline. Have to change hours of service for truck drivers or pay more money a mile. Cyber attacks will continue to our utilities, food, etc., and there will be more PANIC. Look at the amount of money that is being stole from American people. Even our own Americans, then Russia, and China wanting American to fail. biden, continues to be in the hands of Bernie Sanders, socialist/communist.
@ Mel
I gree. I treat the 1/2 tank mark as empty. I can drive past montgomary, Al. on half a tank
I had 6 cans, that’s 30 gallons. My truck burns that in a week. No apologies from me. I have to work so some can get a “free” check.
Get the gas, next stop the toilet paper aisle.
I agree 100% with what Hard Working Man said. It’s not trying to hoard and keep other people from having gas, it’s employers trying to keep those who are supporting themselves and possibly a family with work to sustain them for the next few days (which may continue for weeks).
be thoughtful … carpool and such ..stay home til needed travels… and hope for good things it all over florida not just escambia
If you plan ahead you don’t have to panic. I always gas up when vehicle on half. I filled up just the other day. I plan cause folks panic.
Came down Airport and ultimately 29 to Molino this afternoon. Only circle K at chr strand, raceway and CMG at 29 and Muskogee, and tpm
Thumb at 29 and 97 (premium only, prepay) had gas
how much gas does 5 cans hold? at most 25 gallons. Maybe his elderly neighbors needed gas and afraid to drive at night. Maybe his loved ones were on E and could not wait in line and run out. 25 gallons is not a lot just a regular fill up for some of these soccer moms SUV.
Diesel and electric owners having an easy time right now
Yes! What “work together” said! Be mindful that other people need fuel too! I’m not going to make a doctors appt tomorrow because I can’t find gas due to the panic.
I’ll explain one reason for somebody filling gas cans and it doesn’t have anything to do with hoarding. Some of us make a living, pay our bills and keep others employed doing landscaping. We usually keep our cans filled as we use them so we don’t normally have to do this during a bad time but we were caught off guard. We filled several cans so we can run our equiptment for the next 3-4 days, and keep our guys working and the economy going . Not sorry one bit.
I was out there I did get a chance to get in line quickly. But we have to be mindful of others. One guy filled his truck and about 5 gas cans. Come on give others a chance. We all in the same boat. Be mindful of other people. Stop just thinking of yourself. If so go to Alabama.
Life lesson #1: When told by government not to panic buy, that means it’s time to panic buy now.
Sadly, I needed gas and had to sit in a ridiculous line. I was unaware of the panic as I’ve been working. It does provide a sense of pre-hurricane preparedness behaviors. People have gone from hoarding toilet paper to gas.
OMG people are lining up at pumps in a panic. They try to get it all an leave other people none just like they do food. What’s wrong with sharing. I seen a man with 10 cans what a idoit