# There is a gas panic in San Antonio **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [August 31, 2017, 8:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/there-is-a-gas-panic-in-san-antonio/795197 "2017-08-31T20:27:44Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![JohnT](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnt/32/15048_2.png) [@JohnT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JohnT)\ **Post date:** [August 31, 2017, 8:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/there-is-a-gas-panic-in-san-antonio/795197/1 "2017-08-31T20:27:44Z")
It started last night with posts on social media, “my brother works at Halliburton and he said…”. Things were OK this morning, even up to 11am, but things are starting to go downhill. Lots of stations already out of gas, got people driving out of the city into outlying towns buying gas, people filling up gas cans… its crazy. I will say, would not be surprised to see this one spread statewide, and even nationwide, as more is learned about the true state of Houston and the Gulf Coast oil facilities. ---
**Author:** ![Johnny\_L.A](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnny_l.a/32/1084_2.png) [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Post date:** [August 31, 2017, 8:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/there-is-a-gas-panic-in-san-antonio/795197/2 "2017-08-31T20:33:43Z")
Up here, gas prices have risen twenty cents or so in the past couple of weeks. ---
**Author:** ![vtxrider](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/d26b3c/32.png) [@vtxrider](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/vtxrider)\ **Post date:** [August 31, 2017, 8:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/there-is-a-gas-panic-in-san-antonio/795197/3 "2017-08-31T20:34:55Z")
That is the problem though. The gas systems everywhere operate on a very predictable pattern. When that pattern gets disrupted (even just by people getting extra gas in cans and filling up more often) that messes up the whole system. A year or so ago, one of the pipelines that goes through AL had a leak and it caused a blip, but everyone panicking and buying more gas than normal caused stations to run out. I hope people do not panic to the point of making it a larger issue than it truly is (though of course that will never happen). ---
**Author:** ![JohnT](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnt/32/15048_2.png) [@JohnT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JohnT)\ **Post date:** [August 31, 2017, 8:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/there-is-a-gas-panic-in-san-antonio/795197/4 "2017-08-31T20:47:44Z")
> [@Johnny\_L.A](#): > > Up here, gas prices have risen twenty cents or so in the past couple of weeks. Prices were at $2.03 on Sunday, $2.29 when I got my tankful yesterday evening. ---
**Author:** ![k9bfriender](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/k9bfriender/32/3283_2.png) [@k9bfriender](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/k9bfriender)\ **Post date:** [August 31, 2017, 8:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/there-is-a-gas-panic-in-san-antonio/795197/5 "2017-08-31T20:55:31Z")
It was 2.29 on my way in to work yesterday, 2.55 on my way home. Was expecting a spike in prices because of the damage from the hurricane, so filled up sunday. ---
**Author:** ![dzeiger](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/46a35a/32.png) [@dzeiger](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dzeiger)\ **Post date:** [August 31, 2017, 9:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/there-is-a-gas-panic-in-san-antonio/795197/6 "2017-08-31T21:01:29Z")
D/FW’s a mess too. Hour+ long lines at gas stations, if they’re not out yet. Mostly seems to be a panic for the sake of a panic. Refinery capacity is down a little, sure, but once everyone started thinking “I better fill up for the holiday weekend, just in case” it all spiraled out of control. ---
**Author:** ![Oredigger77](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/oredigger77/32/3181_2.png) [@Oredigger77](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Oredigger77)\ **Post date:** [August 31, 2017, 9:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/there-is-a-gas-panic-in-san-antonio/795197/7 "2017-08-31T21:09:38Z")
I don’t get the California panic. California uses its own refineries due to the special fuel requirements. While there may be a slight impact on supply due to production decline in Texas the oil that was going to Texas refineries should easily be able to be rerouted to California to make up for it. Now if people panic and buy way in excess they can cause their own problem but the baseline issue shouldn’t be a reality. ETA: I’ve had several people out here tell me it’s time to go buy gas. So it’s not just a Texas panic. ---
**Author:** ![Ponch8](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ponch8/32/9883_2.png) [@Ponch8](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ponch8)\ **Post date:** [August 31, 2017, 9:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/there-is-a-gas-panic-in-san-antonio/795197/8 "2017-08-31T21:39:36Z")
How long until we start reading news articles about how people can no longer afford to fill up their tank-sized SUVs? Of course, each article will use the phrase “pain at the pump.” ---
**Author:** ![Magiver](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/4491bb/32.png) [@Magiver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Magiver)\ **Post date:** [August 31, 2017, 10:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/there-is-a-gas-panic-in-san-antonio/795197/9 "2017-08-31T22:14:13Z")
> [@JohnT](#): > > It started last night with posts on social media, “my brother works at Halliburton and he said…”. Things were OK this morning, even up to 11am, but things are starting to go downhill. > > Lots of stations already out of gas, got people driving out of the city into outlying towns buying gas, people filling up gas cans… its crazy. > > I will say, would not be surprised to see this one spread statewide, and even nationwide, as more is learned about the true state of Houston and the Gulf Coast oil facilities. The refineries in that area will be down for 2 weeks. Who cares if it goes up to $2.50? We were paying $3.50 before we increased oil production. 2 weeks is nothing. ---
**Author:** ![aceplace57](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aceplace57/32/3500_2.png) [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Post date:** [August 31, 2017, 10:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/there-is-a-gas-panic-in-san-antonio/795197/10 "2017-08-31T22:14:32Z")
How about natural gas? How many of the supply lines have been damaged by the storm? Most of my house uses gas. Hot water tank, central heat, clothes dryer and my whole house generator. I haven’t replaced my electric range. Yet. 😃 ---
**Author:** ![Riemann](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/riemann/32/3133_2.png) [@Riemann](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Riemann)\ **Post date:** [August 31, 2017, 10:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/there-is-a-gas-panic-in-san-antonio/795197/11 "2017-08-31T22:37:52Z")
I myself am always calm and rational, but the number of news stories about people panicking may lead to widespread panic. And I feel the rational response is to rush (calmly and rationally) to the gas station to make calm, rational purchases of enough gas to last me 6 months. ---
**Author:** ![JohnT](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnt/32/15048_2.png) [@JohnT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JohnT)\ **Post date:** [August 31, 2017, 11:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/there-is-a-gas-panic-in-san-antonio/795197/12 "2017-08-31T23:07:44Z")
It’s the only way to be sure. ---
**Author:** ![JohnT](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnt/32/15048_2.png) [@JohnT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JohnT)\ **Post date:** [August 31, 2017, 11:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/there-is-a-gas-panic-in-san-antonio/795197/13 "2017-08-31T23:14:27Z")
> [@Magiver](#): > > The refineries in that area will be down for 2 weeks. Who cares if it goes up to $2.50? We were paying $3.50 before we increased oil production. 2 weeks is nothing. It’s also a vacation weekend, with many people using tomorrow to stretch into a 4 day weekend. Gas usage on Labor Day is always high, and panic hoarding is finishing the job of draining the city. Of course, the “joke” is that nobody has anywhere to go as all the typical vacay spots were devastated by Harvey. ---
**Author:** ![Nawth\_Chucka](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/c57346/32.png) [@Nawth\_Chucka](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nawth_Chucka)\ **Post date:** [September 1, 2017, 12:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/there-is-a-gas-panic-in-san-antonio/795197/14 "2017-09-01T00:46:19Z")
> [@JohnT](#): > > Prices were at $2.03 on Sunday, $2.29 when I got my tankful yesterday evening. Gosh, haven’t seen 2.03 in months, maybe a year here in Utah. Just paid 2.59/gal for the cheapest stuff. I suspect there are more disruptions to come; Irma looms. ---
**Author:** ![aceplace57](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aceplace57/32/3500_2.png) [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Post date:** [September 1, 2017, 1:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/there-is-a-gas-panic-in-san-antonio/795197/15 "2017-09-01T01:07:06Z")
Just finished filling both cars. I squeezed in every drop I could. It was $2.25 here. They said some gas reserves are supposed to be released. That should help until the refineries are back in production. ---
**Author:** ![Skypist](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/skypist/32/169_2.png) [@Skypist](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skypist)\ **Post date:** [September 1, 2017, 1:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/there-is-a-gas-panic-in-san-antonio/795197/16 "2017-09-01T01:15:22Z")
> [@JohnT](#): > > It started last night with posts on social media, “my brother works at Halliburton and he said…”. Things were OK this morning, even up to 11am, but things are starting to go downhill. You’re not kidding. The SA gas panic is in full swing this evening. Cars hanging out into the streets, blocking roads that are already blocked by preexisting road construction. Took an hour to get home this evening, apparently because everyone is out looking for gas. Usually it’s not this bad unless there’s been an accident on 410 or it’s Christmas. This is the kind of mentality that causes stock market crashes. I filled up 2 days ago before the panic hit. Hope things improve before I need to fill up again. ---
**Author:** ![aceplace57](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aceplace57/32/3500_2.png) [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Post date:** [September 1, 2017, 1:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/there-is-a-gas-panic-in-san-antonio/795197/17 "2017-09-01T01:17:41Z")
Labor Day looms. I expect travelers will get gouged on gas. Companies always find an excuse to raise prices on holiday weekends. This year, even more so. ---
**Author:** ![dzeiger](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/46a35a/32.png) [@dzeiger](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dzeiger)\ **Post date:** [September 1, 2017, 2:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/there-is-a-gas-panic-in-san-antonio/795197/18 "2017-09-01T02:38:35Z")
> [@aceplace57](#): > > Just finished filling both cars. I squeezed in every drop I could. It was $2.25 here. > > They said some gas reserves are supposed to be released. That should help until the refineries are back in production. The thing is, to my knowledge, there are no strategic gasoline reserves. There is a strategic oil reserve, and part of that is being released, but that’s just crude oil being sent to existing refineries that are still in operation. I guess if those refineries are currently operating at less that full capacity, and it’s somehow not possible to get oil to those refineries through normal capitalistic methods, then this can help? ---
**Author:** ![aceplace57](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aceplace57/32/3500_2.png) [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Post date:** [September 1, 2017, 3:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/there-is-a-gas-panic-in-san-antonio/795197/19 "2017-09-01T03:50:40Z")
I heard they were releasing the reserves on the ABC nightly news. You’re correct. It’s oil reserves. Let’s hope it keeps gas prices down. [https://www.google.com/amp/amp.usatoday.com/story/621256001/](https://www.google.com/amp/amp.usatoday.com/story/621256001/) > [@](#): > > About 25% of the nation’s refining capacity is offline indefinitely due to the monster storm and flooding, according to Energy Department. > For some refineries that remain open, obtaining oil to make gasoline is an issue. Closure of ports in Houston and Corpus Christi, reduced capacity of the critical Colonial Pipeline and the inaccessibility of certain roads has undermined access to oil. ---
**Author:** ![Ruken](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/f475e1/32.png) [@Ruken](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ruken)\ **Post date:** [September 1, 2017, 12:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/there-is-a-gas-panic-in-san-antonio/795197/20 "2017-09-01T12:37:40Z")
> [@aceplace57](#): > > How about natural gas? How many of the supply lines have been damaged by the storm? Overall supply is steady and demand is way down. Some midstream disruption but that’s localized so YMMV. _Houston_ has had steady natural gas, so farther inland should be fine for the most part. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/there-is-a-gas-panic-in-san-antonio/795197.md?page=2)