As Hurricane Milton bears down on Florida, a critical shortage of fuel is gripping the state, with nearly 16% of gas stations running dry. According to GasBuddy, over 1,200 of the state’s 7,900 stations have exhausted their supplies, leaving millions of evacuees scrambling to find a place to refuel. The unprecedented demand has overwhelmed gas stations, with many unable to keep up with the sheer volume of customers.
Patrick De Haan, a leading petroleum analyst, attributes the shortage to the massive exodus of Floridians fleeing the storm’s path. Despite the chaos, De Haan reassures that prices are unlikely to surge, as the state’s infrastructure and refineries are not expected to be severely impacted.
As the Category 4 hurricane hurtles towards the west-central coast, Governor Ron DeSantis has announced that the state is stockpiling fuel in anticipation of the storm. While lines at gas stations are lengthy, DeSantis insists that there is no shortage, and fuel continues to arrive via port and truck deliveries.
However, concerns remain about the potential disruption to fuel terminals along the Tampa waterfront, which could be vulnerable to storm surges, flooding, and power outages. If these facilities are severely damaged, it could significantly hinder the distribution of gasoline and diesel in the aftermath of the storm.
In the meantime, residents are advised to remain vigilant and prepare for the worst, as Hurricane Milton is forecast to bring catastrophic winds and rain to the region.
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