Fuel Crisis in Florida

Florida drivers are facing a dire situation as they attempt to refuel during the ongoing evacuation prompted by Hurricane Milton. Long lines at gas stations have become the norm, with many motorists finding themselves unable to fill up their tanks.

Current Gas Supply Situation

According to Patrick De Haan, a gas analyst at GasBuddy, nearly 29% of Florida's gas stations were reported to be out of fuel as of Friday morning, amounting to about 2,320 of the state's nearly 8,000 stations. The situation is particularly grim in the Tampa and St. Petersburg regions, where a staggering 73% of stations have run dry. Other affected areas include Sarasota with 54% empty stations, Fort Myers and Naples with 42%, Gainesville at 40%, and Orlando and Daytona Beach with 34%.

Advice for Motorists

While fuel supplies are on the way, experts urge motorists to avoid unnecessary trips to the pump. Andrew Lipow, president of Lipow Oil Associates, advised, 'If you don't need to go to the gas station, don't. You should not be running out to fill up.' This advice is crucial as the demand for fuel spikes during emergencies.

Restoration Timeline

As for how long it will take to restore fuel supplies, much hinges on the Port of Tampa, which is a primary hub for gas distribution in the Orlando area. With 10 operating terminals, the port is currently working to restore power to these facilities. Lipow explained that logistics are complicated: restoring operations requires getting workers and terminal operators back in place, as well as ensuring the Coast Guard inspects the shipping channels for debris and navigational aids.

Expected Delivery of Fuel

The earliest estimates suggest that tankers might begin delivering fuel by Sunday, but this timeline is dependent on a swift resolution of the power restoration challenges. Fortunately, other ports serving different parts of Florida remain open, aiding the efforts to stabilize fuel supplies across the state.

Future Outlook

Tom Kloza, global head of energy analysis at Oil Price Information Service, anticipates that the current fuel crisis could be resolved within 72 hours, projecting that by Tuesday or Wednesday, gas supplies will return to normal levels.

Conclusion

As Floridians continue to face the challenges brought by Hurricane Milton, the situation remains fluid. However, officials are optimistic that with concerted efforts, the fuel crisis will soon be alleviated, allowing residents to focus on recovery efforts. Stay vigilant and fuel up wisely!