The work week begins for many San Antonians still suffering from gas pains from the 'run on the tank' gasoline crisis, News Radio 1200 WOAI reports.
While about half of local gas stations report being supplied with fuel this morning, many have no fuel, and those which are supplied are again reporting lines forming as drivers are desperate to top off their tanks.
Several factors are combining to bring the bizarre 'panic buying' incident to a close.
State Rep. Lyle Larson (R-San Antonio) says he has been told by gasoline wholesalers that 1.6 million gallons of regular unleaded is being delivered to San Antonio stations yesterday and today, and that will be followed by deliveries of 3 million gallons tomorrow and Thursday.
The Texas Oil and Gas Association says additional fuel is being brought into Texas from other states and even from other countries, and waivers are being granted to allow more trucks than usual to make deliveries.
In addition, TXOGA President Todd Staples says refineries, terminals, and pipeline systems which were shut down by Hurricane Harvey are being restored quickly. Exxon Mobil's huge Baytown refinery, the second largest in the country, was returned to service on Monday.
In addition the Coast Guard is reopening ports.
Staples says the real problem is 'panic runs on gas stations.'
"This created further disruption in the fuel market, which is already impacted by the closure of much of our Gulf Coast refining and several pipelines," Staples said. "Runs on fuel slows down access to fuel for the general public, and for first responders who stil have important work to do."
San Antonians were buying gas as two and a half times the regular daily rate throughout the weekend, which means, obviously, that gas stations were running out of gas two and a half times quicker.
In addition to the extra fuel, officials are hopeful that the end of the Labor Day travel holiday, when people no longer need to gas up for long trips, will help ease the pressure.
In addition, San Antonio's VIA Metro Transit is offering free rides on all VIA buses today for people who don't want to stand in line for gas.
"As residents continue to help us manage this situation by being conscientious neighbors, VIA's park and ride lots may also be used as staging areas for commuters who roganize car and van pols Tuesday, regardless of whether VIA services are accessed at that location," Mayor Nirenberg said.
Larson says all major retailers, including Valero, Shell. Exxon Mobil, and H-E-B are receiving extra shipments of gas, and the logistics problems should have diminished by this coming weekend.
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