Hurricane Milton hit Florida recently and has caused significant disruptions at gas stations throughout the state. Many gas stations, particularly in Tampa, still do not have fuel, leaving residents stranded in long lines and leading to disputes over access to gas. While vessels carrying gas are expected to arrive in Tampa soon, it may still take several more days for the situation to return to normal, according to experts.
Florida heavily relies on Port Tampa Bay for fuel deliveries, but issues such as restricted vessel movement and closed fuel terminals have led to delays in getting fuel to gas stations. Analysts estimate that there are 70 million gallons of gas inbound for Tampa over the next week, but logistical challenges have hindered the distribution process. These issues have resulted in millions of gallons of fuel being stuck outside of Tampa Bay, awaiting clearance to be unloaded and distributed.
Anxious drivers in the Tampa area have faced long lines and frustrations, with reports of disputes and violence at gas stations. The Pasco Sheriff’s Office received numerous calls for service regarding arguments at gas stations, while a security guard at a Wawa reported fist fights among customers. Governor Ron DeSantis has assured that efforts are being made to get fuel supplies to where they are needed, including providing free gas at public fuel sites. However, the demand for fuel has overwhelmed these free gas sites at times.
The gas station outages highlight the vulnerabilities of the region to supply disruptions and spikes in demand. Last week, demand for gas surged as residents evacuated or fueled generators in preparation for the hurricane. Although the Gulf Coast has sufficient fuel supply, local regions like Tampa operate under a just-in-time inventory system which only provides what is needed at that time. This system, while efficient under normal circumstances, becomes problematic during interruptions like those caused by Hurricane Milton.
Experts predict that the gas shortages in Florida should subside by midweek as fuel deliveries resume and distribution processes return to normal. Despite the challenges faced by the region in the aftermath of Hurricane Milton, the situation is expected to improve significantly within a few days. Residents are urged to remain patient and respectful of others as fuel supplies are replenished and distributed to gas stations.
