Why so many Florida gas stations are still out of gas

Hurricane Milton recently swept through Florida, leaving behind a chaotic aftermath at gas stations across the state. While the storm has subsided, many gas stations remain without fuel, notably impacting the hard-hit Tampa area where approximately half the stations are still dry. Long lines and tensions characterize the stations that are operational, with incidents of disputes over fuel access being reported.

Efforts to alleviate the shortage are underway, with fuel shipments expected to arrive in Tampa soon. The number of gas stations without fuel has dropped significantly, yet experts predict it will take several days for full normalcy to return. Despite improvements, significant outages persist, with nearly half of the Tampa metro’s gas stations lacking fuel availability, though this is an improvement from previous figures.

Florida's heavy reliance on Port Tampa Bay for fuel deliveries is highlighted as a critical factor in the ongoing crisis, as port delays are causing bottlenecks. Fuel not being able to offload from the vessels due to closed terminals near the port exacerbates the situation, delaying delivery to gas stations. It is anticipated that once the port fully reopens, the fuel supply chain will stabilize.

Amidst the tension, governmental measures have been implemented to alleviate distress, including public fuel sites offering limited free gas to alleviate demand. However, these efforts are met with logistical challenges as long queues overwhelm available resources.

The disruptions underscore the vulnerability of the region’s fuel supply system. The reliance on a “just-in-time inventory” model, which fails to accommodate sudden spikes like those caused by the hurricane, has been pinpointed as a concern. Experts remain optimistic about near-term recovery, anticipating that normal conditions will soon resume across the affected areas.