Gas Shortage in Southeastern United States Continues

Hogansville, Georgia -- As many as two weeks ago, residents in North Carolina were already feeling the crunch, and being subjected to gas limitations.

I received a call from my daughter, Megan Cannon, who is married to a Marine based out of Camp LeJeune back on September 12, and she asked: "What the heck is going on? I can't find a gas station with gas."

She later phoned back stating she went to six different stations before finally finding one that allowed her to pump $10 into her small, economical Honda Civic. She is very thankful now she traded in for the small four-cylinder three months ago. She is also fortunate enough that she is close and can walk to work.
For Megan, the search for gas only occurs on average once a month, but what about others that rely on daily traveling to earn a living?

Many small businesses require daily travel to operate. I own a small painting business, which I operate out of rural Hogansville, Georgia, and could not continue without the use of my work truck. Often, time and gas are sacrificed for estimates that never materialize into future contracts. In the construction business, even the weather can change your plans for the day after you have already driven to the job site. A close friend, who is in the business of installing windows and doors, complains of similar difficulties.

Getting the gas to head out, and if you are working anywhere near the Atlanta area, spending a little time praying -- it's enough to get you back home. Sadly for some in this southeastern pocket of the United States, more often there is no choice but to stay home. At times, the lines in Atlanta went out as far as the traffic lights and attendants were directing traffic.

The Atlanta and surrounding metro area shortage was being blamed on restrictions and regulations in the content of the fuel enforcing a limit on what available gas is allowed in . Representatives have met to discuss this matter and have stated they expect to have sufficient gas deliveries to meet the demands of the Metro and surrounding area By October 7th.

Right now, for many of us here in Georgia, October 7 seems like a long way off . There has been no statement I am aware of at the time of this writing explaining exactly why the shortage has affected only this particular demographic area. Nor has there been much mention of the fact that while oil has dropped to under $103.00 a barrel, a $10-drop today alone, prices continue to rise. Other areas of the nation are seeing gas prices falling, yet this particular region is still paying over $3.94 + a gallon, for regular where and when they can find it.

As if local residents are not stressed out enough looking for the gas, and getting enough of it to take care of business, there is also concern about the wherewithal to pay for it.

Those planning car trips through the southeast may want to wait until after the 7th, and see what develops.

Good luck American citizens. I feel your pain.