Gas Shortage

Since hurricane Ike and Gustav hit refineries in Houston, Texas, we have been experiencing an extreme gas shortage.

Steve Baker, spokesperson for the Colonial Pipeline, says, "Since the hurricanes hit, we've been tapping the reserves... made before the hurricanes hit, and we've been delivering those. It's caused us to operate at a reduced rate."

Atlanta has a more strict rule on smog requirements, which means gas from other cities cannot be brought in because it does not meet the rule. These laws only complicate matters.

Gas station owners are working to acquire more gas, and when they finally do get gas, it is usually gone within a day.

Officials are advising drivers to only fill up their tanks halfway to save gas for others. Also, filling up in the morning could help prevent long lines durning afternoon traffic.

--Cami Fanning, Editor-in-Chief