“`html
Getty Images
- Gas stations across Florida are experiencing fuel shortages as Hurricane Milton approaches.
- Potential damage to Port Tampa Bay could disrupt the gas supply chain for an extended period.
- A supply chain expert indicated that government intervention may be necessary to avert a crisis.
As Hurricane Milton nears landfall, Florida’s gas stations are already facing significant fuel shortages. Reports indicate that by 8 p.m. local time on Tuesday, over 20% of gas stations in the state had run out of gasoline, according to data from
GasBuddy, which monitors fuel prices and availability.
The situation has escalated as millions attempt to evacuate Florida ahead of the storm, resulting in long queues at service stations and heavy traffic congestion. The hurricane is projected to impact Florida’s Gulf Coast on Wednesday or Thursday before moving through central regions like Tampa Bay and Orlando.
Shon Hiatt, director of the Business of Energy Transition Initiative at USC’s Marshall School, explained that Central Florida relies heavily on Port Tampa Bay for its gasoline supply. This reliance creates vulnerabilities since there are no alternative pipelines available.
“Florida is particularly susceptible because it operates almost like an island without other pipeline options,” Hiatt noted.
During a press briefing on Tuesday, Governor Ron DeSantis announced that state reserves include 110,000 gallons of gasoline and 268,000 gallons of diesel fuel. He confirmed that trucks were en route to replenish supplies in areas threatened by the storm,
CNN reported.
“There is no shortage of fuel,” DeSantis stated during his address. “Fuel continues arriving in Florida; however, long lines have led some stations to deplete their stocks faster than usual.”
Christopher Tang from UCLA highlighted how increased demand from residents filling up their tanks exacerbates the issue since current supply levels cannot meet this surge. He also mentioned potential delays caused by traffic jams affecting tanker trucks delivering gasoline—an issue requiring coordinated government action before conditions worsen further.
“If things escalate significantly, we might need National Guard assistance for distributing fuel,” Tang suggested.
The experts consulted emphasized that if Hurricane Milton causes lasting damage at Port Tampa Bay, access to gasoline could be severely restricted throughout Central Florida for weeks or even months post-storm. While alternative transportation methods such as trucking or rail could provide relief after port disruptions,
Hiatt warned this would likely lead to higher prices at the pump due to increased logistical challenges involved with these alternatives.
“Ultimately it comes down to infrastructure readiness—are railways clear? Is debris removed?” Hiatt questioned while referencing historical storms’ impacts on regional geography dating back over a century when hurricanes drastically altered Tampa’s landscape during events like those seen in the 1840s.”
Patrick DeHaan from GasBuddy echoed concerns raised by his colleagues regarding public desperation amid dwindling supplies—a situation likely worsened if port operations suffer significant setbacks due directly related damages incurred during Milton’s passage through coastal areas.
“It would create major complications if extensive harm occurs within port facilities,” he remarked while awaiting updates about potential recovery timelines following any disruptions caused by severe weather conditions impacting shipping routes into affected ports.”
Source
“`
