Greenville Faces Gas Shortages After Hurricane Helene
Greenville was hit hard by Hurricane Helene this past Friday, and residents are still feeling the effects of the storm as they navigate through power outages and gas shortages. The storm made its mark across the Upstate, leaving thousands of locals in a bind, especially when it comes to refueling their vehicles.
Long Lines at Local Gas Stations
As soon as the winds calmed and the rain stopped, residents flocked to the nearest gas stations to fill up. One spot that saw a major influx of customers was the QuickTrip located near South Pleasantburg. By Friday evening, long lines formed with four distinct rows of cars waiting to get their tanks filled. Unfortunately, some of the pumps were out of gas, and as the hours went by, the situation only got more complicated.
By Saturday, the long waits and crowded gas stations were a common sight across Greenville. For many, the stress of finding available gas was palpable. Over on East Butler Road, a QuickTrip had to temporarily shut its pumps down after it ran out of gas around 8:30 in the morning. Customers were left uncertain about when, or if, a gas delivery would come to help alleviate the growing tension.
Impact on Oil and Natural Gas Production
Hurricane Helene’s ripple effects aren’t just local. According to the Bureau of Safety and Environment Enforcement, around 24% of current oil production and 18% of natural gas production in the Gulf of Mexico has been shut down due to the storm’s severity. This has put a significant dent in gas supplies that would normally flow into Upstate South Carolina.
The reduced availability of fuel has made a tough situation even tougher. A QuickTrip on Laurens Road confirmed it did have gas to offer, but customers had to brace themselves for long waits as cars lined up further than many could see. The combination of gas stations either being out of power or running low on gas meant that the comforts of modern driving were nowhere in sight.
What To Do If You Need Gas
For those seeking gas, it’s important to remain vigilant. Many stations have become unreachable by phone, mostly due to ongoing power outages across the area. If you spot a gas station that is operational and has fuel, it could be helpful to share your find. Residents are encouraged to reach out and share any tips that could help fellow drivers find their way back to the pumps.
As the weekend continued, the challenges posed by Hurricane Helene remained prevalent some residents were still trying to come up with creative solutions to overcome their fuel shortages. Community members are coming together in this time of need, with many lending a helping hand where they can.
The Road Ahead
As restoration efforts continue and power is restored to various neighborhoods, it is hoped that gas supplies will catch up to the high demand. Residents in Greenville and throughout the Upstate are urged to practice patience as the local infrastructure recovers from the storm’s aftermath. In the meantime, it’s essential to keep each other informed—and keep an eye out for available gas stations.
Let’s support one another through these trying times, and remember that together, we can weather any storm!
