Gas prices continue to soar after Katrina

Since Hurricane Katrina, several area stations have displayed caution tape, orange plastic fencing and numerous “Out of Gas” signs.
“A lot of people are coming and going and we are selling a lot of gas,” said Charlene Schexnaildre, a volunteer at the Airport Texaco on Veterans Memorial Blvd.
“We have been giving directions, we have sold out of all our maps and at times, unleaded gas.”
Gas prices have increased in Atlanta, North Carolina, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Arizona, due to boosts on wholesale and future markets, almost immediately after the hurricane damaged refineries and pipeline links along the Gulf Coast.
Those refineries were responsible for about a third of the country’s total gasoline supplies. After Katrina destroyed approximately 95 percent of the Gulf’s output, the Bush Administration decided to release crude oil from federal petroleum reserves, but even that measure came of little comfort to the prices motorists have to pay at gas stations.
As shortages increase and prices soar, many individuals are concerned about limited supplies of gasoline, long lines and what the effect will be on heating in the winter.
“We sell so much unleaded at one time, more than anything,” Schexnaildre said. “I believe Chevron-Texaco is doing pretty good and a change will occur.”
Not only driving locally, travelers have also cut back on novelties to help defray the cost of gas.
“I spent almost $30 just to fill up,” said Tiana Dudley, a Southern graduate, who traveled from Dallas to Baton Rouge to be with family and friends for the Labor Day holiday.
“That was before and not including when I had to purchase gas while on the road”
The gasoline market did receive some assistance on Sept. 7 when the federal government agreed to loan oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve to refiners facing deficiencies.
The Environmental Protection Agency also agreed that it would temporarily allow gasoline retailers nationwide to sell fuel that does not meet stringent summer air-quality standards. To help ease the pain of buying gas, motorists are encouraged to keep at least three-fourths of a tank at all times.
Since gas prices are set in the morning after overnight trading has been completed, consumers can purchase gas on the way home from work instead of during the morning rush hour.