Hurricane hit the Texas coast about 10 days ago. It was pretty devastating though few would know about it since it coincided with the financial crisis that is ongoing. Yet for us here in North Carolina, we are still pretty much affected by the fallout. With the refineries still not at full production, shortages remain here at the gas stations. At the local neighbourhood station, their pumps are dry nearly every other day for regular and premium blends have not been seen for over a week.

Yet we are not so bad off as compared to other parts of the state. The main pipeline for gasoline products goes through Greensboro so there is some supply for the region. Western Carolina, though, is nearly dry. Asheville has 85% of its stations without gas and Charlotte nearly also too.

Supplies are not expected to be normal for two more weeks. Shortages will continue until then but at least gas prices have not escalated tremendously as state laws prohibit price gouging.

One thing that be affected will be tourists who travel the mountain roads for the fall colours which are expected to be quite good this year with the peak happening sometime around the third week or so. Many tourists will stay away if they fear being stranded on the roads without gas. For our annual trips, we always need two full tanks to take us there and back. I might have to buy a 10 gallon jerrican as insurance to ensure that we get home.

Interesting times these are.