Need info on gas shortages

Chuck Seehuetter · 10-05-2008, 01:51 PM

I had a friend stop by who's sister lives in Asheville. He told me that she said there is a gas shortage there. Char and I are leaving Tuesday for our trip to Tenn. and N.C. Will we have trouble finding fuel on the trip? Any info would be appreciated. Thanks.

ptt49er · 10-05-2008, 01:52 PM

Charlotte was pretty bad last week as well, but it seems everything is slowly returning to normal. I would imagine you would be ok, bar another hurricane.

We haven't had any issues finding fuel since last Wednesday.

Gotcha6 · 10-05-2008, 01:57 PM

Charlotte & Spartanburg have experienced shortages over the last 2 weeks. For a while only 1 station in 8 had gas in CLT (can you say 'topping off'?) with $40.00 limits on most. Things are improving now with prices going back around the $3.80 range. I'd think a trip to TN wouldn't have much - if any - inconvenience.

DaveO · 10-05-2008, 02:04 PM

The Triangle area (Raleigh/Durham) doesn't have a full supply but it's not hard to find. Many stations are out of the higher grades but who wants to pay for them anyways. The costal areas (Wilmington) are fully stocked and the tankers are hauling gas from there to areas like Charlotte to help re-stock them.
The situation is improving quickly and I don't think that you should have any problem. Just don't be like me and wait until the last minute to stop and fill up. I like the light to burn for a little while

drives my wife crazy

Dave

McRabbet · 10-05-2008, 04:02 PM

Chuck,

I think you should be fine -- I'd suggest you use www.gasbuddy.com to find out best prices -- Asheville is in Buncombe County and Fletcher and Arden are in Henderson County. I just checked and there appears to be gas for as low as $3.65/gal. You may also want to check for the areas in Tennessee where you'll be traveling. There is an Ingle's grocery 1/2 mile east of I-26 on Long Shoals Road (exit for the Fall Gathering Pig Pickin') which usually has about the best prices in the area.

PChristy · 10-05-2008, 04:10 PM

Originally Posted by DaveO

I like the light to burn for a little while drives my wife crazy

Dave

Dave, you must be kin to my wife - she drives me nuts

doing the same thing

RayH · 10-05-2008, 04:22 PM

Boy do I wish!! LOML drives the SUV. Whenever it gets under 1/2 tank she asks, "Don't you need to pickup some wood? Oh, and would you get some gas?"

RayH

CaptnA · 10-05-2008, 04:30 PM

wish we had a crystal ball....
for now I don't think you'll have a problem.
The fire department gets pretty good information and for now there is nothing we've been told of looming long term. The information we've been given so far has been on the money. I filled up this morning for $3.77 a gallon.
There was a possibility of some shortage of diesel due to 'catching up' on gas, meaning that fewer diesel runs. For now that hasn't happened according to the officers I know at the weigh stations.

Chuck Seehuetter · 10-06-2008, 10:10 AM

Thanks to all of you for your responses. I feel a lot better about the trip now. I was going to haul an extra 6 gal. can of gas but I hate taking the chance with that. We'll be driving my old 1996 Dodge 4X4 which only gets about 15 or 16 MPG. We were going to drive Char's little (uncomfortable for a 6' tall man) Pontiac but if we find a deal on lumber at the picnic we wouldn't be able to haul it

.
Dave, Char watches the gauge, and light, for me too but never has given me any grief about it. Maybe this time she will though

Thanks again. See you at the picnic.

bluewing92 · 10-06-2008, 10:53 AM

Timely post.

We will be leaving on our trip this week and will be taking 95 to 26 to 77 to 81North going to New England. Yes it is about 100 miles longer then 95 all the way, but I avoid the Richmond, VA through NYC, 95 corridor. And it’s worth it.
Anyway thanks for the info I’ll top of as I get off 95 to 26 that should take me all the way to 81 at least. But nice to know the fuel is available around Charlotte if I need it.

JohnW · 10-06-2008, 10:59 AM

Chuck....LOML is in the gasoline business. One of her duties is buying bulk gasoline to supply stations in the Charlotte area. So I have a good source of info on our local situation. Just to assure you... the info given you by our fine members is correct. (You folks are much more accurate than some news outlets)

Diesel will be very short over the next few weeks.
Gasoline situation is improving.
Traveling along the interstate should not pose any problems as long as your vehicle can use regular grade.

Have a safe trip.....

Tarhead · 10-06-2008, 12:41 PM

Originally Posted by bluewing92

Timely post.
We will be leaving on our trip this week and will be taking 95 to 26 to 77 to 81North going to New England. Yes it is about 100 miles longer then 95 all the way, but I avoid the Richmond, VA through NYC, 95 corridor. And it’s worth it.
Anyway thanks for the info I’ll top of as I get off 95 to 26 that should take me all the way to 81 at least. But nice to know the fuel is available around Charlotte if I need it.

Norm,
A much nicer drive this time of year too! 95 wears me out.
As a frequent traveler along 95, 77, 26 and 81 your cheapest gas will be in Rock Hill, SC and the Wytheville, VA areas. If you can delay topping off you'll save a few bucks.
Check www.gasbuddy.com and navigate to the appropriate state for up to the hour prices/availibility info.

bluewing92 · 10-06-2008, 02:14 PM

Thank you Mark, I'll highlight Rock Hill, SC and the Wytheville, VA on my map for fuel stops. Every penny counts on these long trips.

skeeter · 10-06-2008, 03:11 PM

Gas what? DaveO was right, there have been no problems in the Wilmington area but a friend said there was a little shortage above New Bern early last week. I think they are getting back to normal now.

Sealeveler · 10-09-2008, 12:36 PM

If you don't come to Down East Carteret County,you will be ok.We still don't have gas except once in awhile,then if you are not at the right place at the right time you still lose.I have not had gas in 4 weeks.
Tony

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