my family and I are supposed to drive this weekend from Atlanta to the Augusta area to see my parents - gives me and my wife a break by adding extra child care, and my eldest loves his grandparents

I am becoming concerned, though, that we might end up in SC needing gas and no way to get back to Atlanta

anyone think this is a real threat, or am I overreacting to sensationalist reporting?

I think there is pretty widespread panic on the gasoline front...My Mother just phoned and asked if we had all filled up...stating that the gas stations were all packed with lines down the streets in Gainesville GA (an hour north of Atlanta), and that gasoline was over $3.00 a gallon there...she was panicked...It's just a crazy thought to think that we might not have gas...it's like going to the faucet and turning it on, you always expect water to come out...the same goes for gas...you expect to always be able to go to the gas station and fill up like normal...now, that just seems to be really uncertain...I'm absolutely certain that this will effect everyone's traveling plans for weeks and months to come...

I'm thankful to have a home intact, air conditioning...it's freaking sweltering out, food to eat, and a working toilet...I feel guilty for complaining about gas, and worrying about my labor day weekend plans...when so many have such bigger problems, so close to home...

Gas

Gas prices go up, reserve supply will last
by Matt McClure

GAINESVILLE - Gas prices continue to rise in Georgia in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, and Gainesville is no exception. Prices have risen 20 cents, and possibly more in some locations since Tuesday night.

A survey of eight gas stations in the downtown and midtown areas of Gainesville Wednesday afternoon found prices ranging from $2.70 to $2.99 a gallon for self serve, regular unleaded gasoline.

Governor Sonny Perdue says two pipelines running from the Gulf of Mexico to Georgia are down, but the problem is not damage to the pipelines themselves. "If nothing el
". . . The pipeline itself has not been compromised."
Governor Sonny Perdue

se happens, we believe one of the pipeline issues that we have is simply power, the pipeline itself has not been compromised," Perdue says, adding that there is no need to panic about lack of supply. "We think into the middle or last of next week is when supplies in reserve will last."

The Bush administration agreed Wednesday to release oil from emergency stockpiles to help Gulf Coast refiners hobbled by a loss of shipments due to Hurricane Katrina. The administration also moved to temporarily ease some pollution standards on gasoline and diesel fuel to avert shortages.

Officials say these steps should help lower gas prices and increase supply.

The following is a list of prices for self-serve regular unleaded at the eight Gainesville gas stations surveyed as of 2:00 p.m. Wednesday:

Circle M, Thompson Bridge Road - $2.91/gal.
Citgo, Thompson Bridge Road - $2.70/gal.
Shell, Thompson Bridge Road - $2.79/gal.
Chevron, Thompson Bridge Road - $2.99/gal.
Citgo, E.E. Butler Parkway - $2.70/gal.
QuikTrip, E.E. Butler Parkway - $2.80/gal.
BP, E.E. Butler Parkway - $2.80/gal.
BP, Jesse Jewell Parkway - $2.79/gal.

Yeah what FG said... ;)



From everything I've seen, the prices will shrink back down to somewhat in reason..not sure what somewhat is, probably around $3.50 or lower per gallon...that's still a big ass chunk though...eventually, we'll get back down below 3, but how far below there's no telling...I know that this run on gas here in Middle Ga took a nonissue and turned it into one...but we should have gas back at our local stations by Friday... :angry:

Atlanta Freakin Out

I know I am staying at home all weekend if things stay the same. I am glad that next week is a short work week to save a little on gas, too. I really didn't have big plans anyway. I may spend some time at my best friend's house, which is only 7 miles away.

I wouldn't cancel your plans just yet and Atlanta to Augusta isn't very far. My friend here in NC was/is planning a trip to her beach house at the Outer Banks. Her concern is finding gas in an already rural area. If the delivery process is slowed, that area could be hardest hit because it is so far out. I would think between Atl and Aug you'd be okay.

My family in Macon is laughing about all this. They are not big alarmists. I'm not panicked but I am smart enough to keep my gas tank full. Even if they can increase tanker deliveries to offset what the pipeline is not delivering - it will not be nearly enough. I wouldn't be surprised if we see some rationing.

A friend of mine was going to make a trip to Pigeon Forge this weekend but changed his mind after the hotel told him that there was no gas to be had anywhere around there.

sad to say but yes