At least one major gas station chain in the Carolinas began rationing gas Thursday, amid fears that Hurricane Ike would deplete supplies already diminished by Hurricanes Hanna and Gustav.
The Pantry, which owns more than 1,600 stores in 11 states – including Petro Express – put up signs at all of its stations asking customers to limit their purchases to 10 gallons. The company is one of the largest gas-station chains in the Charlotte area, with 28 stores in Charlotte and dozens more in surrounding counties.
There was no shortage of gasoline Thursday. CEO Pete Sodini said the move was precautionary and caused by a large spike in the price of wholesale gasoline and the shutdown of several refineries in the Gulf of Mexico.
“We wanted to head off any panic buying,” Sodini said. “What you're going to do if you go out and fill up every car in the household (is that) you're going to run this market out of supply temporarily.”
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