AAA: Gas Will Be Resupplied Slowly Due To Demand & Delayed Delivery After Irma

Florida – Crews are working to deliver gas across the state after gas stations dried up in the days prior to Hurricane Irma’s landfall. According to AAA, the overwhelming demand for gas before the storm may delay regular supply at gas stations for a week, especially with evacuees heading back to town. Residents will not be “panic pumping” so residential gas stations should be resupplied very soon. But, refueling the gas stations along evacuation routes and highways is a top priority. Immediately after the storm, travelers will likely be caught in lines for gas and potentially run into outages as the demand for gas rises. "Florida evacuees should plan their return home very carefully," said AAA spokesman, Mark Jenkins. "First, ensure you know there are no major hazards at home or along your travel route. Expect congestion on the roadways, as the first few days after the storm will be the busiest. Pay close attention to traffic reports. Ensure you have a full tank of gas before you hit the road. Do not let your fuel gauge fall below a quarter tank before you start looking for a place to refuel. Bring a gas can in case you run out of fuel. It is not safe to drive with a full gas can inside an enclosed vehicle." Unlike other states, Florida’s gas supply relies on being delivered by tankers and barges at ports in Jacksonville, Miami, Tampa, Port Canaveral, Port Manatee, and Port Everglades. Many ports were shut down Saturday before Irma hit and will require clearance from the U.S. Coast Guard before they can reopen. Due to flooded roads and gas stations without power, gas may take a while to arrive by tanker truck. The condition of all major ports in Florida can be found in the list below.

• Jacksonville Port – closed through Tuesday.
• Port Canaveral – no major damage reported, will return to normal operations pending the overall condition of the harbor.
• Port Everglades – damages are currently being determined and it will open pending U.S. Coast Guard approval.
• Port Miami – closed and will re-open pending U.S. Coast Guard approval.
• Port Tampa Bay – minor damage and flooding, the first load of tanker trucks expected to be supplied today.

On Monday, gas prices in the state averaged $2.72, 8 cents higher than last week. The most expensive gas in Florida is located in West Palm Beach-Boca Raton at $2.80, Miami at $2.77 and Fort Lauderdale at $2.75. The least expensive gas in Florida is located in Pensacola at $2.65, Tallahassee at $2.70 and Fort Myers-Cape Coral at $2.70. The current gas price in Daytona Beach is $2.73. For current gas prices in your area, head here.

(Chart courtesy of AAA)

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