Is the current shortage of gasoline, following the Colonial Pipeline ransomware attack, really about limited supply or just increased demand brought on by consumers hoarding gasoline?
I spoke Wednesday to an upstate convenience store owner who preferred not to be identified. He operates two locations that sell gas and says the amount of fuel delivered to his stations has not changed.
"Not at this time, the last two loads we received we got what we asked for, that's usually anywhere from 8,000 to 8,800 gallons."
But the cost of that fuel has increased. He said there was a "price bump" for deliveries on Monday and Tuesday for fuel that had been ordered last Saturday and he did not know about the next delivery on Wednesday.
So if the amount fueled being delivered is unchanged, is there an increase in the amount of gasoline sold at his stations?
"Yes, dramatically. We're selling about four times what we normally do. And matter of fact, one of my stations is already out and the other one, we can still pump about a thousand gallons of regular, then we'll be dry."
I asked if his customers were buying gas at the same rate as before the ransom ware attack, would there not be a shortage?
"It's a combination of a demand problem and the supply chain has been interrupted by that cyber attack and the product is there, but it's just, they can't move it."
So this seems to be a case of panic buying created by the consumer buying more, over fears about the future supply.
"That's true, but most people, they hear something and they react to it. This is a situation where pretty much all of them are reacting to it."
Despite viral videos of fights breaking out at some gas station, this business owners was complimentary of his customers.
"We had a couple that had some heated words, but for the most part, I will commend the public, that they have been courteous and patient and not overly demanding."
I asked if he was limiting purchases.
"No it's what ever you can put into your vehicle. And some people are putting some in cans, which I wouldn't really advise that, but then again, you know no one's come up with a 300 or 500 gallon tank, thank goodness."