Drivers frustrated, unable to find gas or face long lines when they do
MIAMI - Relief is on the road for drivers trying to fuel up.
Port Everglades said the movement of tanker trucks that deliver gasoline and diesel has increased as 9 out of 12 gas terminals continue to pump out fuel for use in 12 southern Florida counties.
Port Director and CEO Jonathan Daniels told CBS News Miami's Peter D'Oench, "We are starting to see congestion normalize and the amount of trucks that are staging is minimal. We continue to ask that people, we know they are frustrated, have more patience through the next several days. We don't know how long it will be for all the terminals to come online but the supply is there."
There are three fuel ships at berth and two waiting offshore, according to port officials on Thursday.
Daniels said he learned that the State Department of Emergency Management was able to secure half a million gallons of fuel from the state of Louisiana and it's on its way to South Florida.
He reiterated that there is no fuel shortage, only that deliveries have been delayed due to pumping capacity.
Drivers who have had to wait in long lines when they found a gas station with fuel said it's been a frustrating situation.
"It's been pretty hard. I usually get a tank at Costco but the lines have been terrible for the last two, three days. Luckily I found this one, I've been in line for 45 minutes," said Beatriz Ospina as she waited in line at a gas station in Miramar on Wednesday.
Uber driver Brian Banks said "It has been difficult with all this flooding. This is my livelihood. I depend on this. I urge people to be patient. It makes no sense to get upset about something they can not control."
Ricardo Casabona said "I have been driving all over looking for fuel. Of course, I am worried. This is nonsense going on."
Some drivers have blamed elected officials for the situation. A long discussion on "who's to blame" could be found on the neighbors' app NextDoor. Some say it's the drivers themselves.
"I would estimate that 80% of [station closings] are due to panic buying," said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis for GasBuddy, which tracks station closings and gas prices.
Data from GasBuddy showed that 59% of stations in the Miami-Fort Lauderdale market were closed Wednesday, up from about 20% on Sunday.
"As local gas stations are now receiving regular shipments, we ask that residents think twice before they head to the pump. By purchasing gas only when you need it, you can help local pumps stabilize operations and return to regular service to our residents more efficiently," said Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava.
Click here to see how to make the most of the gas you already have in your tank.
