A.G. GancarskiForecasts of Hurricane Dorian’s impact on Florida’s East Coast grow more optimistic with each model run; however, a more dire scenario prevailed days ago.
Runs on supplies, including gasoline, created very real scarcities. The entire Florida peninsula was urged to prepare, and filling up gas tanks were a given.
Now AAA has some good news: Fuel supplies have stabilized.
“Fortunately, Dorian has moved so slowly that it allowed plenty of time for Floridians to get gasoline, and for gas stations to be resupplied,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “Now comes more of the waiting game.”
Despite Hurricane Dorian’s continued track to the east, ports are already impacted, Jenkins asserts.
“Most of Florida’s ports on the east coast are or will be closed soon, which means no gasoline coming in or out of those ports. In the meantime, gas stations will rely on tanker trucks to make gasoline deliveries from terminals like Orlando and Tampa, until the storm passes,” Jenkins said.
“Statewide,” Jenkins advises, “gasoline supplies are still good. Gasoline deliveries will continue to be made as along as conditions are safe. The governor has approved law enforcement escorts for tanker trucks when necessary.”
Gas prices were up slightly last week, though anticipated demand for the Labor Day holiday was a culprit. Despite that, the $2.44 average was the lowest since 2016, and 36 cents lower than the year before.
Prices varied across the state, with no market touching the $2.57 national average.
The highest included West Palm Beach-Boca Raton ($2.55), Panama City ($2.54), and Tallahassee ($2.50). The lowest: Pensacola ($2.39), Jacksonville ($2.41), Punta Gorda ($2.41).
