So why the shortages in the southeast?

[vc1111]

...I've heard on this board that the high prices, especially those invoked prior to the hurricane even touching American soil, were supposed to preclude that by some kind of economic voodoo rationing?

[Champlain Islander]

The wind on Altantic hurricanes go counter clockwise. One theory is that that wind blew all thegas out of the southeast quadrant. Head west everyone there is plenty of gas and it is cheap.

[younggun308]

Al Gore must've sucked it all with a straw, and now he's going to spit on China, right?

[MikeVT]

Bush and Cheney did it.

[hillbillyhunter1]

LOL.

It's obvious that in thier blind ambition to become more philanthropic, the gas companies lowered the price of gas too much in the South and consequently there is now a shortage. Darn them and their benevolence.

What would you expect when EVERYONE can buy gas.[/sarcasm]

[burniegoeasily]

H onkey

[Fieldmouse]

We would rather have shortages and waste gas driving around looking for it instead of paying higher prices.

[TNHagies]

ORIGINAL: vc1111

...I've heard on this board that the high prices, especially those invoked prior to the hurricane even touching American soil, were supposed to preclude that by some kind of economic voodoo rationing?

I can only speak for TN. But the shortage here was caused by the media. Even before the hurricane hit they were screaming on the radio and TV that there was a shortage and "you should go get gas now while you can." That day I drove home from work every single gas station was backed up into the road. People were filling up 5 gal cans and practically anything else they could fill. Unjustified panic but what else should I expect from teh media these days.

It's the same here with the weather. They'll call for a low of 35 and 18 inches of snow. Everyone runs to the store to buy milk and bread. I guess they're making milk sandwhiches... It's absurd.