Since the AG issued some subpoenas recently the stations seem to be afraid to raise prices above $3.99...that's the price I see everywhere, but we have a definite shortage. The pipeline is an issue which is exacerbated by everyone running around with full topped off tanks instead of typical half-full on average. I'm not throwing stones, us too...you see gas w/ no lines you whip in and top off b/c many stations have none. Lines at some stations have spilled into the streets and caused traffic backups.
I've found stations a little further off the beaten path are more likely to have gas. I had the pumps turned off on me when I was next in line a few days ago at the station closest to my house...I didn't complain b/c I didn't really want the last dregs from the bottom of the pump tanks in my vehicle anyway.
Instead of raising prices now, many stations are imposing a purchase limit. They hate to run out of gas b/c then no one stops to buy things in the mini-mart.
In addition to the bringing gas in via pipeline they are trucking it in from other terminals as well. Radio stations and newpapers have added features to their websites to show people what stations supposedly have gas.
The mayor is taking a little heat...he also happens to be running for governor.
http://www.charlotteobserver.com/100/story/224269.htmlThe gasoline shortage showed signs of letting up Tuesday. AAA reported in the early afternoon that one out of five stations had fuel. By late afternoon, an informal Observer survey of about 120 stations showed that more than a third had gas.