The chaotic gas shortage

Miranda Mallien, Cleveland, Ga — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 00:35:40 GMT

09/29/08

My plans during my days off have changed since the gas shortage, it's the only most important things of life that I drive my car for now; food, work, and church. I don't even want to go see my friends. I commute to work about 40 to 45 minutes and work twelve hour shifts. If they would let me spend the night here I would. It's very hard on everyone here in the southeast not knowing if they are going to be able to get to work or if they will get home. It does not help that everyone keeps their tanks on full; however it is survival of the fitest, or should I say fastest, to fill up. In this circumstance I do believe that Sonny should be home for this and not overseas, even if he is trying to get investors for Georgia, we need him back home, only if it's just to here word of when this will be over. The peolpe of Georgia are irrated and I don't know how much longer the south can take of this before people start stealing gas from cars, it's already happened when gas was so high this summer but now it's not only high in price but there is a lack of it. I pray that this passes quickly and the prices come back down as well.

Miranda.

The chaotic gas shortage

Coleen Kennedy, Middleton, Wisconsin — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 01:49:04 GMT

I am curious about alternative energies, I would like the today show to help educate our country about the potential for different sources of energy, like solar and wind. We seem to only hear about drilling. What are to costs and benefits of using alternatives to oil? Is it feasible we can get off of our dependence on foreign oil? When? It would be nice to see a series to help us understand what options are out there, and whether there is anything we as citizens can to to help move our country to alternatives.

The chaotic gas shortage

rashad james, atlanta georgia — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 02:38:49 GMT

i live here in atlanta and the current gas shortage has definitely caused a panic among our citizens to the point where, even if a station gets the regular amount it normally would, more people are filling their tanks and simultaneously draining pumps, leaving others empty-handed. Most of the stations are getting their normal amounts but they must first regulate the amount people can buy in order to bring things back to normal in the minds of the citizens

The chaotic gas shortage

John, Charlotte, NC — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 03:34:32 GMT

There is absolutely no gasoline here in parts of North and South Carolina -- I mean NONE. A palpable sense of panic and even chaos is in the air because people aren't able to get to work or do much of anything because ALL gas stations are completely empty.

Welcome to the economic crisis of 2008.

The chaotic gas shortage

Jim Crawford — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 05:09:45 GMT

As of this evening, Atlanta is still experiencing a major shortgage of gas. 50% of the stations are closed with no gas. Long lines at others. This could have easily have been averted if the State government instituted an "odd - even" system to avoid hoarding.

The chaotic gas shortage

Victoria Dallas Texas — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 12:25:40 GMT

Thank you Matt for your bi-partisan approach with the Congress members this morning. Please keep people informed with all fact so that citizens can make an informed vote on Nov. 4th!

The chaotic gas shortage

TMontgomery, Acworth, GA — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 13:03:44 GMT

Gas in Cobb County (a northern suburb of Atlanta) has been scarce. This past Friday evening was the worst. I waited in line for over an hour & a half to get gas at the only station (of about 12) that had gas. My tank was sitting at less than a quarter tank. Paid $3.97 which I considered an OK price. Was a good time to give my 5th grade daughter a lesson in supply & demand. She thought the whole situation was crazy & I would have to agree. The situation here is worse than it ever was in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.

The chaotic gas shortage

Sue, Cassopolis, Mi. — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 13:03:51 GMT

Please help....I am planning a trip to Charlotte on Oct. 8th. I live in Michigan, and I am worried that we will get down there, and will not be able to get gas to get back. What are the conditions in that area?

The chaotic gas shortage

Matt, Roswell, GA — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 13:16:14 GMT

I think nearly everyone has cut back on driving these last two weeks, I know my family has. Last week, there were days where I would go to and from work, and not one station was open. I saw a 50 car line at 11:30 last Friday.

It would have been nice if our Governor had declared an emergency so that more businesses would have taken action and more events could have been postponed, but he did nothing but insist it was all caused by panic buying.

The chaotic gas shortage

Dan Warren Albuquerque, New Mexico — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 13:32:35 GMT

On Monday I believe the Today show reported that part of Atlanta's gas shortage difficulties were caused because the oil companies had reduced production before the hurricane because Americans had reduced consumption in recent months. I find it interesting that the oil companies had excess production available, but they simply reduced production as good Americans conserved,thus keeping prices at the pump up. Same thing that OPEC did recently to help keep gas prices where they wanted them. I suggest we phase in a 50 cent a gallon tax on gasoline and have the money be used for the bail out or for helping with health care. I would much rather give my money to the government than to oil companies whose pockets are already overflowing with cash. After all, it appears they really don't want to reduce gas prices for the consumer. They are reducing prices in our area, but it is clear to me that it is simply a pre-election ploy to try to deceive consumers into voting for Republicans who give them big tax credits. Dan in New Mexico

The chaotic gas shortage

Dan Shive, Monroe, NC — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 14:28:20 GMT

This is another example of poor planning by those in authority. Its not like the hurricane appeared out of the blue and caught everyone off guard. Also, did authorities not realize Houston has refineries? Poor planning, poor leadership.

The chaotic gas shortage

nicky williams destin,fl 32541 — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 16:17:48 GMT

we live in the panhandle of Flordia. our gas is plentiful, but high priced. I do not understand why Ga.m,s.c., and n.c. are without. Even limted to gallons per sale. This is not right.

Destin, fl.

The chaotic gas shortage

Florabora — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 16:34:12 GMT

Charlotte observer has a gas station map of where gas is located - there are less than a dozen stations with gas for the whole metro area.

The chaotic gas shortage

karen, dearborn, michigan — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 23:20:43 GMT

We are also planning a trip to south carolina this coming weekend, have been calling everywhere up the I77 coridor checking on status of gas situation. Have heard 50/50 chance, some towns more than one hour away from charlotte say they are out of gas

The chaotic gas shortage

Dharma, Nebo NC — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 07:15:56 GMT

On the morning BEFORE Ike hit the gulf coast, people in our area (WNC) rushed out to fill their tanks because the news was that prices were going to jump up. They wanted their tanks filled at the lowest price possible. It was like word of a snow storm and everyone rushing to get milk and bread. That was about 17 hours before Ike actually hit the coast. We haven't seen this happen BEFORE a hurricane hit. So the lines get emptied and then the refineries go down...didn't we create a problem before there was a problem? The snowball rolled downhill! Last week was when it was so bad in Asheville and Marion the week before. My husband makes a 45 mile commute to work at Asheville VAMC. I'm a disabled veteran and had two appointments scheduled last week. We were fortunate to have family 2 miles from the VAMC. We packed the dogs and stayed the week there. We needed to paint a garage there anyway and saving gas, we killed to birds with one stone. Yet we are having to reconsider long distance plans coming up for a long holiday weekend.

The chaotic gas shortage

james brown st.marys west virginia — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 11:55:00 GMT

I don't understand why we do not change to nateral gas for driving.Sense it dose not have to be refined and dose not run through pipe line solw.So what is wrong with picture?

The chaotic gas shortage

Sheri Robinson, Niagara Falls, NY — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 13:26:40 GMT

I have been having so many déjà vu moments of late. An unpopular war, gas lines, economic decline, foreign oil, 2 presidential candidates one a hawk the other a dove. We have been here before diplomacy, (detente)works. We needed to stick to becomming energy independant like we were supposed to be doing since the 70's. The war needs to end by any means necessary. Look at Viet Nam. What did WE gain. We need to make sure the transparency that was supposed to be on wall street since the recession of the 70's is regulated. Inspect what you expect. We all have dropped the ball. Our elected representatives need to have conversations not school ground spats.
Thanks

The chaotic gas shortage

Linda Pike, North Port, FL — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 15:29:23 GMT

this whole shortage(?)is mind boggling... are we sure its not like what happened in sw fl a few weeks ago? the media reported the gas stations running out of fuel due to hurricane ike THEN, the reality came as several gas station owners reported the reality was in fact that they were turning away fuel tankers refusing to pay the outrageous inflated prices !!! as you would guess... there is no more mention of gas shortage here in sw florida!!!

The chaotic gas shortage

laurie lardner, st charles, mo — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 19:11:06 GMT

I am curious as to why we don't use gas from the stragetic reserve to help the folks in the south who can't get fuel? I have to wonder what is this crisis supply for, if not a situation just such as this?

The chaotic gas shortage

Another Southern — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 03:28:45 GMT

I live in SC - though there have been runs on gas, I have been able to find it without waiting in line. I agree there are stations that are out, however if you plan accordingly (car pool or drive less) and start looking before you get too low, it can be managed.

This situation does point out the poor public transporation options we have in the south.

The chaotic gas shortage

Toby keith — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 13:05:56 GMT

Gas is ok in Wisconsin, yes high if u consider 3.69 a gallon cheap.The streets are turning into poverty filled ghettos,and drugs, and gangs, and violence is what Wisconsin has to offer. Remember people in God we trust.

The chaotic gas shortage

Gran S. Bangor, Maine — Sat, 04 Oct 2008 17:44:59 GMT

I am planning to drive through the Carolinas and Georgia to get to Florida starting on Oct. 7th. Is gas supply still an issue?

The chaotic gas shortage

Susan Baumgardner, Cleveland, TN — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 10:48:18 GMT

I need some help. I live near Chattanooga and need to drive to Florida on Oct. 11. What are my chances of finding gasoline along I75 in Georgia?