As Hurricane Milton threatens Florida, the demand for fuel has surged across the state. Evacuees fleeing the storm's projected path and residents preparing for potential power outages have caused a significant strain on gas stations.
According to GasBuddy, as of Tuesday morning, 14.5% of gas stations statewide were without fuel, a sharp increase from just 3% on Monday. The situation is even more dire in areas under mandatory evacuation orders, with some cities like Fort Myers reporting that 70% of gas stations had run out of fuel.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has urged residents to avoid panic buying, as it can exacerbate fuel shortages. To address the issue, the governor announced that 1.2 million gallons of gas and diesel fuel were being distributed across the state, with additional reserves available.
However, concerns have been raised about the potential impact of Hurricane Milton on the Port of Tampa, a critical entry point for fuel supplies into the state. Market experts warn that damage to the port could lead to extended challenges in fuel distribution.
Tom Kloza, a global energy analysis expert, highlighted the vulnerability of Florida's fuel supply chain, stating, 'The Port of Tampa is critical to supply for much of the state. I’d be hard-pressed to find a market more dependent on waterborne supply and more susceptible to hurricane and storm surge.'
Governor DeSantis acknowledged the risks posed to fuel delivery and assured that state officials are exploring alternative options to mitigate potential disruptions. He emphasized the need to prepare for a scenario where the Port of Tampa experiences significant damage, impacting the state's fuel intake.
As Florida braces for the impact of Hurricane Milton, efforts are underway to secure fuel supplies and ensure that residents have access to essential resources during this challenging time.
