State News

Gas shortage continues in state

Two weeks after Hurricane Ike disrupted oil production, a gasoline shortage continues in parts of North Carolina.

Posted Updated
Gas lines in Asheville
RALEIGH, N.C. — Two weeks after Hurricane Ike disrupted oil production, a gasoline shortage continues in parts of North Carolina.

Asheville city officials have closed offices, the civic center and all parks and recreation centers because of the shortage.

Some Charlotte stations are rationing gas. There have been fights as drivers accuse each other of breaking in line.

Carol Gifford with AAA says stations are waiting for deliveries, but are unsure how much gasoline they will get. Gifford says it's important for people not to buy gas unless they need it.

In a statement, Gov. Mike Easley said a terminal in Spartanburg, S.C., received a major shipment of fuel on Thursday. A large amount of that fuel was expected to head to hard-hit areas of western North Carolina.

A larger shipment was expected to arrive in Charlotte on Friday afternoon. Easley said Colonel Pipeline officials said the gas supply in terminals serving Charlotte and western North Carolina should be close to normal when that shipment is complete.

Additional shipments destined for the Triad and Triangle area and eastern North Carolina were also expected to arrive Thursday or Friday.

Copyright 2024 by WRAL.com and the Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.