ALBAWABA – Gas stations in Florida are experiencing fuel shortages as Hurricane Milton approaches. On Wednesday, the storm was moving across the Gulf of Mexico as a 'catastrophic Category 5' hurricane, heading toward Florida's central west coast, according to the National Hurricane Center. Residents are clearing the roads, staying indoors, and seeking additional fuel and gasoline supplies.
Florida prepares for the upcoming hurricane
Florida witnessed an increased demand for fuel and gasoline as residents fill up their vehicles and generator tanks in anticipation of potential power outages before evacuating the streets.
According to GasBuddy, an application that helps users find the cheapest gas stations, 14.5% of gas station ran out of fuel on Tuesday morning. It is worth noting that Florida state has approximately 7500 gas stations, with around 1,000 currently out of fuel.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis stated: “We have been dispatching fuel over the past 24 hours as gas stations have run out. There is no fuel shortage. Fuel continues to arrive to the state of Florida. But lines at gas stations have been long and gas stations are running out quicker than they otherwise would."
It is worth noting that Florida state has approximately 7500 gas stations, with around 1,000 currently out of fuel. (Shutterstock)
Ron DeSantis asked Florida’s citizens to stop panic buying fuel, explaining that the state currently has a reserve of 110,000 gallons of gasoline and 268,000 gallons of diesel.
Is the country facing an energy crisis?
Meanwhile, scientists and experts warned previously that Tampa Port can face some damages after the hurricane ends, which will result in gasoline delivery problems and delays. Additionally, Florida’s governor announced the closure of Florida ports due to the storm.
Tom Kloza, global head of energy analysis for Oil Price Information Service (OPIS), a price reporting agency which provides information that is used for commercial contracts and trade settlement related to petroleum, gasoline, and diesel, said: “The Port of Tampa is critical to supply for much of the state. It is one of most crucial pieces of fuel infrastructure in the country. I’d be hard pressed to find a market more dependent on waterborne supply and more susceptible to hurricane and storm surge.”
