Today's Gas Shortage Was Fueled by Fear

Jen Esposito November 2, 2012 at 08:21 pm

Well said! This is a time for patience and compassion and cooperation....we own 3 cars and plan to use just one for the weekend...a little planning and our family will carpool and get by just fine. The thought was that other people who need the fuel for generators for heat this weekend would stand a better chance of getting some. It is sad to see our neighbors reduced to violence over a tank of gas. But, it is encouraging to know that we are not the only ones trying to include others in our thoughts...thanks for sharing the love...Jen ~ E. Patchogue

Noreen Cosentino November 2, 2012 at 10:22 pm

Excellent words!-Noreen

Mary Glander November 2, 2012 at 10:54 pm

Folks from NJ, LI, Rockland and Westchester have ventured northward. There's no gas at NYS Thruway stations now, and long lines in Monroe NY. Geez people, stay home and play with your kids!

SSexybenzy@yahoo.com November 2, 2012 at 11:31 pm

I love NY, probably more than most! Today, I was embarrassed to be a New Yorker! If these people had HOURS to sit and wait for gas, I assume they didn't have to be at work, maybe could've waited it out! Myself, and my friend Aida both really needed gas, but there was no way I was taking my car there, just to run it out while waiting. I saw Hess get a delivery, and I just kept going as you could see the madness and the looks on some people's faces. I already knew, as a city girl, I may end up in cuffs! I stayed home, and I am waiting it out. Hoping the lines are fewer, and perhaps someone will have gas left, as we already used the gas from our lawn mover, after living 3 days like refugee's. I realize we are all going through it, and believe me it was not easy. My 19 yr old son was a god send, and I am not the Mom who brags showing 37 pictures of my 3 sons. My son lit the fireplace, kept it going for days, helped with his brothers, and since he is a Culinary major came up with the idea of us using sterno, and chaffing buffet dishes to cook! I was like, YES! SOUP! Point being, if my 19 yr old son could keep it together, I'd expect more from the adults. Sink or swim, We swam, and we had a lot of jokes about how we were going "pro survivor's", and they turned the lights back on, lol!

Madford Resident November 3, 2012 at 12:50 pm

I bet that most of these sheep waiting on the long lines have more than half a tank! We ran out of gas while waiting on line and then the station ran out of gas too & closed! This should never happen! What BS! Vote them all out on Tuesday!

Robert J. Evans November 3, 2012 at 04:15 pm

People go crazy every time it rains or snows I see big lines at Dairy Barn and Supermarkets. Now that we have a real problem people are more crazy than normal.
Why would anyone wait on line at a gas station when they know their tank is almost empty? How do the get home when the tank goes dry while waiting on a long gas line.?

Steve November 4, 2012 at 01:32 pm

We are such a spoiled society, subconsciously obsessed with convenience. My wife and I heeded the warnings last weekend. Filled both cars up and made sure we did not waste money on perishables, knowing full well we'd lose power. Boiled eggs and hunkered down and checked on relatives. Made only essential trips and still have plenty of gas left through conservation. Threw out minimal amounts of food and we've been astounded by the visions of discontent Long Islanders at these gas lines when our power came back. Is the rush to go help others who have nothing left or to get back and help themselves? Everyone makes sacrifices but rushing out for convenience instead of necessity is something I can't understand. Is it really THAT bad to eat cold meals out of a can for a day or wear an extra sweater, blanket until power gets back when many are looking for loved ones while being asked to get to shelters after losing everything? I've seen so many people interviewed by the media and the majority have lost perspective that this tragic event goes beyond them.

L.c November 5, 2012 at 03:25 pm

its ridiculous, the gluttony. truly human beings at their worst. each time I drive by a 2 mile long gas line I shake my head in disbelief of the fear and lack of awareness of so many people. havent they figured out the media has to sell fear as news to stay in business? really fighting over gas?? is that really so important in the end?

Chris K November 5, 2012 at 09:03 pm

Well said but far from the reality of how many are dealing with this. I saw all these gas lines this past week and kept thinking the following:
On the way to work last Wednesday and Thursday morning, everything was fine, no lines. By lunchtime, Thursday News12 and Newsday started running stories on gas shortages and by 2pm there were lines over a mile long. Keeping this in mind... Any intelligent person (or prepared person) would have filled up their gas tank last weekend in preparation of the hurricane. Most of us had off Monday and Tuesday due to the storm. Some people went back to work Wednesday and Thursday. Its very unlikely most people were on E by Thursday and Friday that warranted the rush to the pumps given most people had a very short work week. I'll bet a $100 bucks and full tank of gas that over 50% to 80% on any gas line this past few days had a 1/2 tank or more and wanted to top off out of fear. If everyone would have calmed down for just one day, it would have provided the time to allow the system to restore. And each day new stations with gas are brought back to power. I feel bad for those that truly ran out of gas or needed fuel to heat their house and keep light on at night for their generator. But still people will continue to panic

Chris K November 5, 2012 at 09:18 pm

Most people I know did not take this storm half way seriously. I went to Home Depot/Lowes etc here and there over the weekend prior to the storm and days before and never found it crowded. Countless co-workers and friends said "they always say it's going to be bad and it isn't". I am sure this won't be a repeat mistake for a long time to come. I always prepare and take each storm seriously. It doesn't matter if the last storm was bad or not.

Chris K November 5, 2012 at 09:19 pm

Most people are just panicking and want to top off.

Chris K November 5, 2012 at 09:20 pm

"Vote them out" because of everyone's wonton panic over gas? Doesn't make sense

Chris K November 5, 2012 at 09:21 pm

If you get to the point where you need to get gas and have to wait on the line - I suggest turning the cor off as much as possible while you wait.

Brian November 5, 2012 at 09:25 pm

I have to agree with Steve; it's clear that many are so spoiled they confuse convenience with necessity in difficult times. Why though would it be so bad for people to prepare a bit more? I remember how complacent my family was prior to Irene last fall and this year when I asked how they were preparing it was basically the same attitude. I now live in Arizona and always keep 2 weeks of food, water and basic supplies on hand in case of emergency but I'm considered a bit "crazy" by most people back home on Long Island.