Gas Shortages Hit Nearly One In Four Florida Stations

Gas pumps are covered at a station Monday, Oct. 7, 2024, in Clearwater Beach, Fla., ahead of the possible arrival of Hurricane Milton. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)

As of Wednesday morning, nearly one in four gas stations in Florida have reported running out of fuel, according to data from GasBuddy. The latest figures show that 22.8% of the state's gas stations, totaling more than 1,700 out of approximately 7,500 stations, are currently experiencing fuel shortages.

This represents a slight increase from the previous day, when 21.6% of gas stations in Florida were reported to be facing outages. The situation is particularly severe in areas under evacuation orders, such as Tampa and Fort Myers, where gas station outages were significantly higher on Tuesday evening.

The shortage of fuel at gas stations in Florida is likely due to increased demand as residents prepare for the potential impact of a tropical storm or hurricane. Panic buying and concerns about supply disruptions have contributed to the strain on fuel availability in the state.

2. Tampa and Fort Myers experiencing severe outages.

1. 22.8% of Florida gas stations facing fuel shortages.

3. Panic buying and supply concerns contributing to strain.

Officials are urging residents to remain calm and only purchase fuel when necessary. They are also working to expedite fuel deliveries to affected areas to help alleviate the shortages. In the meantime, motorists are advised to plan their trips carefully and consider alternative transportation options if possible.

GasBuddy continues to monitor the situation closely and provide real-time updates on gas station outages across Florida. Drivers are encouraged to check the app or website for the latest information on fuel availability in their area.