Drivers across the country could soon feel the effects of Hurricane Ida, in the form of higher gas prices.
While a gas price hike appears imminent, AAA says it's still unclear how much of an increase drivers will see.
"Drivers will almost assuredly see gas prices rise this week, because of Hurricane Ida's effects on the Gulf Coast," AAA spokesperson Mark Jenkins said in a statement. "A 10-20 cent jump at the pump is not out of the question."
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Hurricane Ida made landfall along the Gulf Coast, a region populated with offshore oil rigs, coastal crude oil refineries, terminals and ports.
Refineries in Louisiana, Mississippi, Texas and Alabama account for more than 45% of the nation's capacity for refining crude oil into gasoline and other important products, according to the auto club. The region is also home to nearly 2,000 offshore oil platforms, which accounts for 17% of the nation's crude oil production.
Nine refineries were in Ida's forecasted track, which are responsible for 13% of capacity nationwide. Four refineries safely shut down before the storm, and one reduced operations. More than 90% of offshore oil rigs in the Gulf of Mexico were shut down and evacuated before the storm -- that amounts to 15% of US production.
Colonial Pipeline, which carries diesel and gasoline from Texas to states along the eastern seaboard, was shut down on Sunday as a precaution.
"Where gas prices go from here will depend on the extent of the damage and how long it will take for fuel production and transportation lines to return to normal," Jenkins said.
Some state leaders are reportedly filing for a waiver from the EPA to begin selling winter blend gasoline now. The EPA normally restricts retailers from selling winter gasoline until September 15. However, if allowed, this would enable retailers to bring in both summer and winter gasoline, increasing access to gasoline at a time when supplies could tighten.
As of Monday, the national gas price average was $3.15 per gallon, according to AAA.
Hurricane Ida made landfall Sunday as a Category 4 storm -- 16-years to the day that Hurricane Katrina hit Louisiana. With winds of 150 miles per hour, Ida is the fifth-strongest hurricane to ever hit the U.S.
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