Talk of the Town

By Ed Ingraham

September 1, 2005 08:26 AM | Link to this

I saw a ton of idiots waiting in line at gas stations for an hour! In lines 25 cars deep! All based on rumors and speculation.

BTW - I filled up on gas this morning (b/c I was on empty, not out of fear of a shortage) and pulled straight to the pump, no wait. What idiots!

By Nancy2

September 1, 2005 08:30 AM | Link to this

I saw nothing really. I stopped at a station across from the Gwinnett Arena following an early appointment and filled up due to already being low and ready for a refill. It was a BP station but there weren’t any long lines and prices were “normal” for the times. I don’t understand why some people are panicing. For heavens sake, it’s just temporary and even if it wasn’t, there are buses, bicycles and your own two legs.

What really makes me nervous is the way people are overreacting to a slight gas shortage. How in the world are they going to act if a real crisis happens, like a serious terrorist attack? Learn to identify the difference between “crisis” and “inconvenience.” It will make your life a lot less stressful.

By Sam

September 1, 2005 08:30 AM | Link to this

What I saw was hundreds of people in the grips of gasoline hysteria. What rational person would do this to themselves? Thirty-minute waits for gas that just jumped to $4 a gallon? Yesterday was the worst day since the early 1970’s to buy gas, but that’s exactly what everybody decided they had to do. What a relief to the Saudis to know that if there’s a crisis, WE’LL JUST BUY MORE GAS. Come on, people, put aside your gluttonous impluses and CONSERVE, for chrissakes.

By Steve

September 1, 2005 08:37 AM | Link to this

Thank you to all the various media outlets for creating an un-necessary level of panic yesterday. The lines were amazing, causing havoc for those of us that were not panicing, but only trying to get home. I probably used 25% more gas sitting in traffic than normal, for nothing!! There was not this much panic buying during the Arab oil embargo’s of the 70’s and 80’s. I am so glad I have satellite radio so I don’t have to listen to the garbage being presented by local radio.

By Donna

September 1, 2005 08:40 AM | Link to this

I filled up on gas this morning also because my tank was on “E”. Several places were out of gas. I found a Shell on Jimmy Carter, Regular was gone but next grade up was $2.99. Several other stations were $3.15 or higher for Regular. This was at 5:45 AM.

By Bonita

September 1, 2005 08:41 AM | Link to this

Nope, I did not fill up yesterday nor this morning…kept driving. Could not bring myself to pay 3.99/gal for gas and wait 2 hours in line just to do so, (30 min wait this AM). I am really considering using public transportation. Live in L’ville, work off of N. Druid Hills. Cable TV, 50 dollars, Phone Bill, 35 dollars, Gasoline, 90 dollars, for the chance to work from home Priceless, for everything else there’s Master Card.

By joereepe

September 1, 2005 08:41 AM | Link to this

I saw shameless price gouging by Georgia’s gas resellers. Any merchant that raises prices without first receiving a more expensive load of fuel is a criminal. I submit to GOV Purdue that these people should not only be fined but they should be shut down. It is criminal.

By Dorie Griggs

September 1, 2005 08:44 AM | Link to this

After school yesterday I had a number of errands to run with my children. There were traffic jams up and down Holcomb Bridge Road in Roswell all caused by lines at gas stations.

I was near empty, but drove away from 400 and the higher prices. We went to a QT where there was a line, but it moved well and everyone was pretty patient.

By Mark

September 1, 2005 08:44 AM | Link to this

The AJC fueled this hysteria with its report yesterday on the gas pipeline and the limited amount of local storage. Are you taking any responsibility for this?

By John Larsen

September 1, 2005 08:45 AM | Link to this

Between WSB hyping the gasoline pipeline failure based on pure speculation about supplies on hand and radio DJs like 106.7 telling listeners to gas up whenever they could because of shortages and price increases, it is clear that the media created the gasoline panic yesterday

By shannon

September 1, 2005 08:47 AM | Link to this

I work over in the West End area. The price of gas was $4.07. I find it utterly ridiculous that people were running to the pumps for gas that’s probably going to last 3 days with the way some of us commute.

By Nancy2

September 1, 2005 08:48 AM | Link to this

And in support of what Sam said, it is hysteria! Everyone needs a collective slap to return to rational thinking. Additionally, over-reactions to the threat of less gas is just more fuel for those looking for ways to disrupt the U.S. Get a grip, folks.

By Sonja

September 1, 2005 08:48 AM | Link to this

I drove a coworker to Delk Road so he could get his car from the mechanic, and saw folks at different gas stations waiting on long lines trying to get gas. It was a mess!!! Tempers were at an all time high, and more and more people were trying to get in “lines”. As I drove home, in Cobb, more lines, on Austell, more lines, on Thornton Road even more lines.

I got gas on Tuesday, so I’m good, but seeing the prices jump twenty cents to over one dollar and twenty cents is simply insane.

What I found amazing is how you would see one gas station charge $3.99 and then drive up the road and another would charge $2.99. A lot of the gas stations were taking advantage and some folks were actually falling for it. That’s really sad.

By Ron Gibson

September 1, 2005 08:50 AM | Link to this

I saw a lot of stations I will never do business with again.

By lisa blades

September 1, 2005 08:53 AM | Link to this

Yesterday, wednesday aug,31 I was very sadden by all the massive histeria I experienced and observed today. Many gas station had prices for gas over $6.99 per gallon and others had gas between $4.69 to $3.00 per gal. I do not know if this is legal or not but it really didn’t seem correct. I honestly felt as if this country America was about to go into war the place got very crazy around 3:30pm -

By Sally Weber

September 1, 2005 08:53 AM | Link to this

I live in the canton areaand when I went to work @ 5:30 am yesterday morning, the gas price was $2.49, when I went home that evening the price was $2.99. That’s just not right!

By Rob

September 1, 2005 08:53 AM | Link to this

Well, It took me 1 1/2 hours to get home yesterday, when it usually take 20 minutes. WHY? Everybody trying to get into gas stations blocking the road. I think I wasted about 2 gallons just sitting there, trying to get past.

Funny, Funny.

Everybody has to remember, the gas in the stations tanks on Monday, was exactly the same as what was in the tanks Wednesday afternoon. Point. The only people who made money yesterday was the greedy gas stations because of what the public did.

The ONLY reason why some gas stations have run out today, has nothing to do with Katrina but everything to do with people ignorance.

By sm

September 1, 2005 08:56 AM | Link to this

Yesterday’s GAS PANIC just shows you how much like Lemmings most people can be. One chicken little cries, “Gas is running out - you better get it now!” and everyone hits the stations. The thing that bothered me was that the folks who thought it was perfectly OK to block rush hour traffic on busy streets just to feed their panic. I wonder how may “war stories” I’ll have to sit through today about how long people had to wait and how much of a pain it was.

By Larry

September 1, 2005 08:58 AM | Link to this

I saw a mass of humanity reacting to the over-sensitization of a “possible� problem. The AJC along with each of the local radio and news channels perpetuated the problem to drive idiots with no common sense to wait in ridiculous lines and pay highway robbery prices for gas. The result is that due to the irresponsible reporting by our news media, we now do have a gas shortage. Good job guys!

P.S. People, please use your head quit over-reacting!

By Mike Wilson

September 1, 2005 08:59 AM | Link to this

Yes I saw lines of 15 or more. The Owner of the stations received faxes from the distribution point that they would not be receiving any more gasoline because of Pumping issues in LA. Regarding, the main event, the US Federal government should issue emergency vouchers good for housing, food and clothing anywhere in the United States. This will promote a fanning out of Katrina survivors across the country, versus a concentration camp in Houston or any single city.

By Dwayne

September 1, 2005 08:59 AM | Link to this

What I saw yesterday was those same people who go crazy when they think they will be stuck at home for ONE WHOLE DAY in an icestorm, they rush out and buy milk and bread as if the world is about to end. Every gas station I went by yesterday afternoon was packed. I have only about a quarter of a tank but felt no need to join the panic group at the pumps yesterday. I will get my gas later this week as normal.

By Brian

September 1, 2005 09:05 AM | Link to this

I filled up yesterday for 2.99/gallon only because I had to. The only way we’re going to run out of gas is if people do today what they did yesterday. I saw people holding up lines because they were filling up gas cans and they were allowing their families to cut into the line somehow to fill up their tanks. The guy before me in line, who I waited 15 minutes for, bought $150 worth of gas. Do the math people…that’s ridiculous. If everyone did that, we’ll be out of gas in this state by this afternoon. Cancel your Labor Day trips and stay home with your family. Enjoy the holiday for what it’s supposed to mean!

By Keith

September 1, 2005 09:05 AM | Link to this

Of course I seen the misinformed with the herd mentality. But I also seen gas station owners or managers who were in fact gouging customers. Chances are with the current GOP leadership they’ll get a slap on the wrist. I’d really like to see Perdue and the gang publish the info on which stations were fined. But I’m not getting my hopes up.

By jennifer

September 1, 2005 09:06 AM | Link to this

What did I see yesterday? A bunch of sheeple. B-a-a-a-a b-a-a-a-a

That’s what I saw. Oh, and numerous SUVs lined up ready to suck down more resources.

By ERH

September 1, 2005 09:07 AM | Link to this

I was low on gas and did not want to be in the position of leaving it to the last minute. I waited in line 45 minutes and paid $4.99/gal. at the only place near me that was still open. Sonny, are you listening? The owner was on TV saying, that’s it, no more gas tomorrow morning.

By Down South

September 1, 2005 09:07 AM | Link to this

The media caused all the panic yesterday…I took picture of a gas station selling gas from $5.87 to $6.07.

Atleast I can tell my kids that I lived at a time when gas was 6 bucks a gallon!

By Brandy

September 1, 2005 09:08 AM | Link to this

I had half a tank of gas yesterday and didn’t even bother. I knew I would be fine to get back and forth to work for 4 more days. It’s a shame so many people listened to the overhyped stories and the other who actually needed fuel and could’t get any.

By Ranting Tommy

September 1, 2005 09:10 AM | Link to this

I filled up my car at lunch yesterday. No biggie, I have a V6 that gets decent mileage, yet still allows me enough power to get around the SUVs and other slow moving beasts. It’s a light car. Gotta love it. I paid $2.89 for premium gas (nothing but the best for my baby). Around 4pm, I get an Instant Message from my wife, saying that people are lining up at gas stations and there is a rumor that the entire state will be out of gas, ostensibly because of Hurricane Katrina.

So, I leave work, content in the knowledge that my tank is already full, but I can hardly make it out of the area because of the gas pump lines spilling out into the road and blocking traffic. $3.19 a gallon is posted for premium. As if these SUV drivers didn’t block traffic bad enough already, now they have to line up for gas and block it some more.

I arrive home, turn on what passes for local news, to find reports that some stations were charging over $6 a gallon. The Governor comes on and warns stations that price gouging will not be tolerated; he declares a state of emergency, effectively freezing gas prices.

But what I saw next drove it all home for me. An elderly man was being interviewed, and said “I saw the line and I didn’t know what it was for, but I figured they knew something I didn’t, so I got in line�. The only thing he forgot to say was “b-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a�. People do stupid stuff to follow the crowd. This explains why so many voters were willing to follow the Bush Cartel over the cliff, like lemmings, and why they are willing to line up on a bogus rumor about gas being unavailable.

The ironic thing is, the actions of these sheeple have brought us closer to a real gas shortage with their panic. Gas was back under $3.00 a gallon for premium this morning. Panic over, sheep herded back to the suburbs, although, the run on gas yesterday did leave quite a few stations empty.

By Jeff

September 1, 2005 09:11 AM | Link to this

Ha Ha Ha! Hope all you idiots out there are happy with your tanks full of $4 a gallon gas after panicking yesterday. Lets start a rumor there is a milk shortage today so that everybody will go crazy again and the price of a gallon of milk will be $20.

By TM

September 1, 2005 09:12 AM | Link to this

I left the Airport yesterday about 4:30PM on the way home to west cobb. While sitting in traffic on Camp Creek Pkwy just east of 285, I watched the attendant at the Exxon station change the price of Regular from $2.99 to $3.99 while people were waiting in line. My fuel light was on, but I chose to keep going. I later waited only 15 Minuites to fill up at the QT located at Camp Creek & Fulton Industrial. I paid only $2.89 (a bargain @ yesterday’s prices).

By Cindy

September 1, 2005 09:12 AM | Link to this

I had to stop on my way home for gas because I only had 1/4 of a tank. On my route to the station close to my home I saw gas anywhere from 2.99 to 3.49. When I got to the Chevron by my house it was at 2.89. Finally after waiting 20 minutes to get to the pump the only thing they had left was the mid-grade. This station was nice enough to sell the mid-grad for the regular price. For the most part people were only filling up their vehicles. There was this one man there filling up his SUV along with 6 empty gasoline cans. The attendant even came out but that did not even stop him. I think they should turn the pump off on people like that…. I’m afraid to see where it is going to go from here!

By Kathie

September 1, 2005 09:12 AM | Link to this

I live in the Brookhaven area and traffic around here was horrible due to huge long lines at every station. I just drove by the poor suckers rushing to fill up their giant SUVs in my small uncool station wagon that gets 30 miles to the gallon- HA. Most stations near me are not out of gas.

By AJB

September 1, 2005 09:12 AM | Link to this

I saw lines around the block and down the street, waiting to get into the gas station. People were getting out of their cars yelling at each other (although I couldn’t tell why). There was no way I was filling up yesterday. It was well worth the extra $.80 per gallon I spent this morning not to have to deal with the stress and wasted time.

By Robert

September 1, 2005 09:15 AM | Link to this

I saw a bunch of complete morons. Many of them stealing from their employer by leaving work early so they can pay extremely high prices for gasoline because of price gouging filling stations. If you are one of the thousands of people who filled up yeaterday afternoon, your a complete dumba**. I hope you got your milk and bread while you were there.

By Mike

September 1, 2005 09:17 AM | Link to this

I live intown but work in Alpharetta. I made the HUGE mistake of going to an Alpharetta station to get gas behind your typical North Fulton housewife who probably grew up in a twenty-thousand dollar house somewhere in Alabama but now that she lives in Alpharetta…she thinks her’s doesn’t stink. She had the mitigated gall to tell me I had to get the seven vehicles wedged behind me to back up so she go out in that direction, she wanted to avoid traffic. I asked her if she was kidding and she said no she wasn’t and that I’d better be prepared to wait, unless I got all the cars to back up. I told her…with a look in my eyes I didn’t know I could have, that she had two minutes to go forward or I’d ram her, her car and her ugly daughter through the station. She moved her car.

By Susan

September 1, 2005 09:18 AM | Link to this

Hopefully everyone will remember which stations raised their gas prices sky high yesterday and not conduct business with them again. With stations on nearly every corner, driving a little further down the road and passing them by will let the owners know exactly what the public thinks of them and their business practices. I heard on the radio that if these stations were found to be gouging prices, they would be fined $5000.00. What’s $5K if you can make double that or more? I personally will be buying elsewhere and doing my part to drive you out of business so you cannot take advantage of us again.

By krad

September 1, 2005 09:19 AM | Link to this

Every time the prices went up it fueled the rumors of a shortage. I hope the Governor does make examples out of a few gougers. Basically, we are all so shortsighted, spoiled and dependent on our cars and petroleum, that we’ve lost touch with reality. PEOPLE LISTEN UP: The simple fact is that gas guzzling vehicles are BAD for the environment ANYWAY, contributing to the GLOBAL WARMING trends that scientists have been warning about for DECADES. It is coming to fruition…and GUESS WHAT? GLOBAL WARMING is going to cause MORE HURRICANES, of greater intensity. Period. Higher emission standards to all auto makers now! (Stronger than the President’s recent announcement) Please, let’s get serious about alternative energy sources now! Duh!!

By Elsie

September 1, 2005 09:20 AM | Link to this

seems to be the AJC is part of the problem: after reading the captions to their photos of the long gas lines, they make it sound like there is only one gas pipeline coming into Georgia when that’s not the case. Colonial’s pipelines are up and running and expect to be back to full capacity in two or three days. Also barges and truckers are delivering gas. They’re contributing to the exacerbation of the panic!

By Robert

September 1, 2005 09:21 AM | Link to this

Mike Wilson - The government provides something called cash, also known as currency or money (it’s normally green). There is also something called credit. If you don’t have either of them, that’s not the govenrments fault. We don’t need the government printing anything else.

By Kevin Priger

September 1, 2005 09:22 AM | Link to this

I saw the possibility of prices increasing, so I bought on Monday night. But not in a panic. And it was at the $2.49 price we’d seen for weeks.

One thing I think is noteworthy is that the leading chains, like QuikTrip and RaceTrac all maintained a slight increase in prices, but didn’t just shoot-up despite long lines.

The mom-and-pops seemed to be trying to take advantage of the situation and should be ashamed of themselves. Similar things happened after hurricanes in FL, and involved hotels as well. The larger hotels maintained rates or had slight increases as expected. But the mom-and-pops (many affiliated with chains but obviously individually-owned) through their ethics out the windows and tried to make a quick killing.

If you are an owner of one of these establishments, you need to look at the big picture and not just think about the short-term gain. I hope those who shot up the prices exhorbitantly will suffer consequences such as fines from the government or even worse…going out of business because your customers don’t come back.

By Stephanie

September 1, 2005 09:26 AM | Link to this

Well, I don’t think people over-reacted. And personally, I can’t blame people for the panic because you never know what is the truth or what isn’t the truth anymore in this country. People need to stop trying to judge and control other people actions.
And besides the only reason we as American’s are in this situation is because of Bush and the government. And by the way, George thanks for shortening your vacation by two days…That should really make a big difference!

By Rob

September 1, 2005 09:26 AM | Link to this

Yesterday we all witnessed the ceiling effect. What price for gas are people willing to pay?? $4 - $5 - $6 per gallon..

Now this ceiling has been exposed, all I can say “Where once there was competition, now there’s only collusion”

God help us all…

By Martin

September 1, 2005 09:34 AM | Link to this

Devastation in the form of a hurricane hits our neighbors to the south and what is the reaction from Atlanta? Price gouging by greedy gas stations and panic buying by greedy drivers. Atlantans want to make sure they have enough gas to drive their gas guzzling SUVs for the next three day holiday. When it came to a crisis, the people of Atlanta made sure they get more than enough for themselves! Shame on you.

By Mary Barba

September 1, 2005 09:37 AM | Link to this

I was on empty and needed gas. Went to the corner near the house where there are 3 stations. Two were charging $2.76 per gallon for regular, the third was charging $3.49 per gallon for regular! Of the two ‘lower’ priced stations, one was out of gas completely and the other was almost out.

By Mike Martin

September 1, 2005 09:39 AM | Link to this

I wish the TRUTH spread as fast as this rumor!

By KDaniel

September 1, 2005 09:40 AM | Link to this

I live in the small town of Toccoa, GA which is about an hour and a half North of Atlanta. What we saw here was yesterday was awful. There is only one gas station in what is considered the “low income” side of town and the price went from 2.69 to 3.99 in a matter of hours. This community is mostly made up of senior citizens who live on a fixed income. Instead of pulling together to help one another in the time of need, store owners are exercising there own form of looting. They deserve the same punishment the looters in New Orleans receive.

By Mt Zion/Clayton County

September 1, 2005 09:42 AM | Link to this

I traveled 75 S on yesterday and took the Mt Zion Rd West exit only to find the Exxon @ 5.97 per gallon and down the street (Corner of MT zion and Fielder RD) the BP was 6.02 per gallon. We must stick together people and not allow these individual owners to take advantage of a desperate situaton…..solution…do not purchase any more gas from these places starting today. If you are owners of these establishments, I hope all the profits from yesterday goes to paying your “gouged” fines….Now you know how it feels

By Down South

September 1, 2005 09:50 AM | Link to this

Is there a place where we can report those gas stations that were price gouging? Any official site by the governor or anything?

By Aiesha

September 1, 2005 09:51 AM | Link to this

I was at the gas pumps yesterday because, well, I was out of gas. The gas station that I went to actually cut their pumps off, to refuel, once finished refueling, they waited on the owner so he can come and jack prices up from $289 regular to $399 regular. Which caused comotion at the pumps. Tempers flared!!! So I left, and what do you know, this morning that gas station was closed for pumping. Seems they ran out. BUT the truck stop directly across the street (who by the way, never raised their price a single penny they stayed at $289) was full of gas, and no lines! So I went by there this morning. No cuss no fuss!!!!!!!

By Brenda

September 1, 2005 09:51 AM | Link to this

I’m confused! How were gas stations allowed to raise gas that has been in their tanks for the last 2 days to $3.99? If there was a shortage of bathroom tissue, would you pay $3.99 for a roll that had been sitting in the store since it was .99? It scares me to think that Big Oil can raise prices to $10.00 if they so please and consumers will just “gripe and swipe”. Talk about multiplication!

By L. Brown

September 1, 2005 09:52 AM | Link to this

Even as far out as here in Jackson County people were lining up for hours to fill up their cars and as many containers as they could. Small towns like Braselton, Hoschton and Jefferson saw increased sales at the pumps, short tempers and high prices. Small gas stations and convience stores which service the communities began price gouging quickly forgetting about ‘being honest and good neighbors’in lieu of a quick buck. Its amazing to me how quickly people began to panic and even more how quickly greed took control. I’ve always heard catastrophes bring out the best and worst in people but I’m sorry to say in light of whats happening here and in Louisiana/Mississippi/Alabama the worst seems to be all too common.

By Jeremy

September 1, 2005 09:53 AM | Link to this

I saw people giving in to the scare and causing a run on gas. My mother from Indiana even called to tell me to get gas cause she was seeing the chaos caused by people.

By EGS

September 1, 2005 09:54 AM | Link to this

I was amazed to see a lady at the Home Depot in Lawrenceville buy 24 gas cans!

However I was not amazed when I saw her load them into the back of her SUV.

By RWH

September 1, 2005 09:56 AM | Link to this

Yesterday actions was very unprofessional on our vendors gas stations and others who heard and put out false information. gas Lines formed for nothing and gas prices went out of this world. There is no shortage or lack of supply for gas. People in Georgia needs to be calm and stop creating problems for themselves and others. Find out the truth about things before you rush to judge what is. Gov Perdue knows that gas prices was not right and people put this whole thing in motion by buying high price gas and the vendor start just saling gas for more than it was. Remembe, we are not in a crisis, we are merely adding on to what appear to be one. Don’t get caught up in purchasing gas on hearsays. Those gas station who sold gas for higher than $2.00 are going to be fined and those who continue sale gas for that price stand to lose their licenses. Its been mandated that high gas sales is not warranted. There is no shortage of gas, but there will be a shortage if we don’t use common sense!

By Dawn

September 1, 2005 09:59 AM | Link to this

I saw gas prices go up at the same station .30 from 2:30 to 3:00 and .50 from 4:30 to 6:45. I can not believe the insensitivity of gas station owners and gas companies to try and capitalize on a disaster! I also want those gas stations that chose to raise prices like this to know that I won’t be patronizing their businesses anymore. The stations that held their prices will have my business forever and I hope that others will agree with me and support those stations that weren’t trying to rip us off yesterday!!!!!!

By Scott D.

September 1, 2005 10:00 AM | Link to this

I saw a more muted reaction at gas stations in Midtown.

By the way, comments like “At least I can tell my kids that I lived at a time when gas was 6 bucks a gallon!” suggest to me that some have an expectation of cheap gas forever. Seems to me that a finite resource, becoming more scarce, gets MORE expensive, as people are willing to pay more (which they demonstrated yesterday). Our kids might be surprised gas was ever as cheap as $6/gallon! Time will tell.

I don’t think this reaction bodes well for any future REAL crisis in the US. I got affected by the Northern blackout of 2003, and saw the same stuff. People in line to gas up their BOATS. It’s just shameful. The consumer’s greed and panic is just as much to blame as price-raisers, who are just acting in accordance with microeconomics. And as always, poor people with long commutes whose tanks are on “E” are the real ones getting screwed!

By Janina

September 1, 2005 10:09 AM | Link to this

I filled up on gas yesterday also. Unlike many of the people who were in line, I was actually on E afraid that my car would run out of gas at any time. I went home and filled up later that night, only after calling the gas stations and confirming that there was gas available. I was not about to have my car stuck somewhere. If you have gas, let people who don’t have any get some first.

By T

September 1, 2005 10:20 AM | Link to this

I live in Douglasville and only had 1/4 of a tank and wanted to get gas, however, there were such long lines that I bypassed. I went down HWY 78 (Veteran Memorial Hwy)and passed by Jolly Wally’s which gas was $3.29 a gal for reg. (Earlier in the day it has been $2.89), then about 30 min later I drove back by and they raised the price to $3.79. I used to do a lot of business with this place, but now they can forget my business. What a rip off.

By David Carver

September 1, 2005 10:21 AM | Link to this

I saw the three horseman of the Apocalypse at my BP on Ptree industrial. Dogs and Cats living together. Total hysteria fuled, … by the 11-Alives helecopter above the fracus.

By A Warrick

September 1, 2005 10:23 AM | Link to this

I live in Lawrenceville but I’m in Cape Cod with my mother after her surgery. My husband told me about the gas situation and I raced to the local gas station to fill my mom’s car up only to find lines there too! The gas jumped to $3.31 /gal. They were out of REg unleaded and people trying to vacation on the Cape were lined up with boats and RV’s. Don’t feel bad Atlanta, other places are doing the same thing!

By Kimberly

September 1, 2005 10:24 AM | Link to this

Well I heard the don’t panic announcement and I say “cool, I won’t panic, we’ll have gas”. Then I started watching the media and how people were totally OVERREACTING. I was at work thinking “people stop overreacting because there really will be a gas shortage.” Because half of my ride home is backroads and side street I saw the panic and pandemonium out there. As time went by so did gas prices rise. I ended up taking several alternate methods to get home because traffic was backed up aroudn every gas station. it ended up only adding five minutes to my journey, but it was crazy outside. I refused to sit in line for over an hour wasting gas to get gas, that may or maynot be there because people were filling up gas tanks, suvs, and gas cannisters. When I left the house in the morning the QT was $2.69, when I passed the QT coming home it was $2.79, fifteen later my friend passed it at $2.89. By the end of the day gas was $3.15. Absolutely ridicoulous. My friend got gas at 5 this morning (because she was on E, had to wait for payday) and the gas station was crowded (not like yesterday, but there were a few lines for the pump). RIDICULOUS* Just CALM DOWN PEOPLE** [Check out gas prices in your area)(www.atlantagasprices.com)

By michelle

September 1, 2005 10:26 AM | Link to this

I work down in Columbus and had to get gas on the way home. I had to stop at 4 exits along I185 to find a gas station that did not have long lines. I waited 10 minutes at one exit just to find out that the line at the gas station was causing the exits to back up. And for what??? To buy gas that eventually cost me $4 per gallon when the going price out of Atlanta that morning was $2.79. With the level of economic prosperity and education in this country you would think people would have more sense!

By Robyn W.

September 1, 2005 10:38 AM | Link to this

SHAME on those people who caused gridlock in the intersections nearby each gas stations. SHAME ON YOU. I waited to turn right for about 8 light cycles because three people decided that they would rather wait ahead of the light, in the middle of the intersection…for 8 light cycles. SHAME ON YOU. I was just trying to get to the MARTA station!

I don’t blame the gas stations one bit. We all had a choice to purchase. It isn’t foolish to be cautious, but it is foolish to panic. Supply and demand is business, and if you’re upset because you were “forced” to purchase gas for $5/gallon, I call you a fool.

By Alex

September 1, 2005 10:40 AM | Link to this

My diesel vehicles run on free recycled vegetable oil, so I just drove by the long lines of cars, waving and smiling.

By t

September 1, 2005 10:50 AM | Link to this

While driving home from work and watching the insanity caused by rumors and the inability of people to think for themselves and be controlled like robotic sheep by mass hysteria I saw this:

I saw a wonderful owner of my local Texaco gas station, out in the parking lot of his small establishment directing traffic, pumping gas for customers and NOT RAISING IT A PENNY ALL DAY.

Thank you to the Texaco on the corner of Coleman Rd/Hwy 120 in Roswell!! Robbie et all are to be commended for their professionalism and courtesy!!

By Steven

September 1, 2005 11:01 AM | Link to this

If all the gas stations raised their price to $5, then nobody would have gone and ‘stocked up’ and we would not have the shortages we have now because of the panic.

By scottie

September 1, 2005 11:06 AM | Link to this

Unfortunately, I had to get gas yesterday afternoon because I was almost on E. (I knew I should’ve stopped on the way in yesterday morning!) When I got in my car, I heard the news on WSB-AM. They were calling it “a day full of rumors” and asking people please not to panic. They explained that the only shortages would be those caused by people reacting to the rumors.

During my long commute home, I noticed that the QuikTrips and RaceTracs were all keeping their prices around $2.89. Kudos to them for not gouging. In one instance, I saw a $2.89 QT, and less than a block later there were two smaller stations charging $3.99 and $4.09. I won’t be patronizing those smaller stations again.

By jody

September 1, 2005 11:08 AM | Link to this

I agree that media hype fueled the panic and people followed like lemmings. What upset me the most, however, was the station owners who gouged the customers the minute they saw the opportunity. I see them as no better than the looters in the streets of N.O. As I drove down Clairmont road Wed. evening, one station on the corner of Briarcliff still had the price at $2.49, while the station closer to I-85 already had changed the price to $3.99 guess which station I will NEVER patronize again? Don’t wait for the governor to make rules against gouging. Let YOUR dollars do the talking. And stop panicing. One of my clearest memories of the 1972 “crisis” - which was much more real than the US temporarily losing 10% of it’s homeland reserves (which is probably less than 5% of our daily usage) was the effective way President Jimmy Carter told Americans to CONSERVE. And guess what? They listened! Cars actually got smaller for a while - till big business interests strengthened their influence in Washington. And I’m sorry, but I have NO SYMPATHY for SUV drivers with long commutes or Hummer drivers. Gas has always been a scarce natural resource, and whether or not you can “afford” it - our society and environment cannot afford to be so dependent on our voracious appetite for gasonline. Being a citizen means thinking globally, acting locally. Maybe, hopefully, this faux-crisis will make auto manufacturers rethink the ever-increasing market of gas guzzlers.

By Gael

September 1, 2005 11:15 AM | Link to this

I bought gas earlier in the day not knowing that later on all hell would break loose. It did. I bought my gas at the Alpharetta Costco early around 11 am and had to go back to purchase other items. Imagine my daughter’s and my shock as we saw a line of about 50 vehicles lined up to get gas! We heard on the radio that this was all based on rumors. I tried telling the others but they gave me this ‘look at the crazy man’ look. People are so prone to being easily ‘hooked’. We noticed lines at other stations and the jacking up of prices that were extremely out of whack.

By Echso

September 1, 2005 11:24 AM | Link to this

I had seen two gas stations in front of Southlake Mall really stick it to people. As I passed by them yesterday. At 1:45pm $2.89 a gallon At 4:00pm $3.29 a gallon At 5:15pm $4.99 a gallon At 7:15pm $3.99 a gallon

Tell me this wasn’t price gouging.

By Michelle

September 1, 2005 11:42 AM | Link to this

My gas tank was close to empty when I left work in downtown Atlanta yesterday. I attempted to get gas in Tucker and could not find a station that was not backed into the street. I then went down 78 several miles and still could not find a station to pull into. When I determined that one Krogers pump station was too busy pulled out and as I pulled out a woman attempted to drive around the traffic into the Kroger parking lot by driving in the wrong lane into oncoming traffic. When I honked at her she flipped me the bird (nice!). With my gas tank almost completely empty (my warning light was now on) I continued on down 78 and then turned off at one of the intersections and then drove 5 more miles to finally find a gas station where there was space for one car before the lane would be backed into the parking lot. After waiting 15 minutes in line I finally reached the pumps…while pumping gas I overheard 2 people at the pump next to mine discussing filling up their other cars that evening.

I cannot believe this situation actually happened. Why would people make a bad situation worse by giving in to mass hysteria based on rumors. Do we really have that little belief in our elected officials when they tell us there is no shortage?

By scotty

September 1, 2005 11:43 AM | Link to this

Yesterday was the worst day on earth to get around town. The people who were waiting in line for gas that ranged from 3 to 7 dollars yesterday need to be shot. I sat in the same spot on Clairmont road yesterday for at least 30 mins because of the gas panic. It was so bad that last night I was driving home after a softball game and saw 6 gas stations without any gas left and then one gas station down the road selling their gas for 4.50. The reason these stations are jacking up their prices is becuase of the idiots yesterday who think the end of the world is comming when in fact the oil reserves are going to be opened until this pipeline is fixed. Another thing that shocked me is one of my friends works at the Lowes store in Buford near the Mall of Georgia and he said people were fighting over those little red gas cans so they could stock up on gas in case we ran out. News flash WE ARE NOT GOING TO RUN OUT OF GAS. Overall I was disgusted with what went on yesterday and hope this does not continue.

By Derrick

September 1, 2005 11:43 AM | Link to this

I actually intern for a company in Alabama, but I have to commute 1.5 hours to school in Georgia twice a week. As I was on my way I saw a ton of people at stations filling up for 3.99. Ridiculous! I was on a quarter of a tank, and decided to try to get back to my place in Alabama. I’m glad I did cause I filled up my Escort for 2.59 this morning. Good luck to you SUV gas guzzlers….

By Shari

September 1, 2005 11:44 AM | Link to this

In Gwinnett county, I saw masses of people lined in the streets at 5 different gas stations that are all in about 1.5 miles of each other. People were honking and fist shaking at each other as if no one else had the right to get fuel. I must say that it was very peaceful to be able to do my grocery shopping at the new Kroger on Steve Reynolds since all of the action was at the gas pumps. I imagine that some people are feeling very silly this morning after realizing how much they carelessly spent in a fit of unnecessary panic.

By micheale

September 1, 2005 11:50 AM | Link to this

Yesterday afternoon, shortly after 4:00 p.m., I received a call from a friend stating that the gas pumps were going to shut down by 5:00 p.m.

I left the office early and went to my neighborhood gas stations off of Atlanta Rd. Shell & Race-Track they were out of gasoline. My best friend who was also searching for additional gas went to the Collier Rd. area and sat in line for 53 minutes until cars began to leave the line and 2 passangers shouted, “They are out of gas!” Once I pulled up to the pumps I could see that black plastic bags covered the pumps. Realizing that there was a SHELL GAS STATION on Defoors Ferry Rd - we thought to check that out - only to find that regular gas was $4.99 a gallon.

We waited in line for 30 minutes around with about 25 other cars to get gas. While pumping my gas we (the customers) began to talk about the sense of urgency to get gas and why was his gas $4.99 when less than 2 blocks away, it was on $3.09. He paraded around stating that no one was coming inside to buy anything and that he only had 2,000 gallons left and he had to make money since there would be no more gas until MONDAY!

We all purchased gas out of fear and desperation!

By john

September 1, 2005 11:52 AM | Link to this

I saw lines of cars waiting to buy gas. I passed them all on my bicycle on my 15 mile ride home.

Bike commuting can be done, you just have to want to do it.

By tee

September 1, 2005 11:58 AM | Link to this

i saw a lot of long lines. and the person who started the hype about going out of gas should get ocsar. the amazing thing was there was a church chicken worker passing out coupons to people who were waiting for a pump. there was a city worker blocking traffic. knowing he could not turn. he should have thought better.

By g rob

September 1, 2005 12:03 PM | Link to this

some phone#s on reporting price gouging:

GA department of agriculture—404.656.3645 governor’s office—-404.651.8600

By Kelly

September 1, 2005 12:07 PM | Link to this

I left work yesterday not thinking a thing, just thinking I have to get gas because my light is on. I drive down Jimmy Carter and Holcomb Bridge and every gas station I try to stop at is full and blockaded by cops or empty and out of gas. I started panicking because I thought I was going to be stranded from running out of gas due to all the other panicking from the rumors. I finally stopped at a BP and waited in line for 20 minutes. The car in front of me was having problems. Turns out, the pump ran out of regular and mid-grade. Luckily there was Premium left. He came over to my car and told me there was only Premium and I was thrilled. I showed him the light and said, I just need gas to get home. Finally, I was able to fill my tank up with Premium for $2.99 a gallon. I thought this was a decent price condsidering all the other locations. I was relieved and then upset with all the people that fell for the rumors. This caused undue stress for the people that actually had a real need for the gas. Next time people, don’t freak out, this is what causes all the problems!

By Klb

September 1, 2005 12:08 PM | Link to this

I think that we should boycott the local gas stations for their recent price gouging. While we do have to buy gasoline there, we can go elsewhere for that cup of coffee, Coke, or candy bar. If they are going to take advantage of the situation, this seems like one of the few ways we can show them what we think of their behavior. Not spending that extra 3-4 dollars a day at the convenience store would make a big impact. Try it for a week.

By Greg

September 1, 2005 12:13 PM | Link to this

On Monday evening, DrudgeReport.com linked to a breaking story in the AJC regarding the pipeline being shut down with shortages and escalating prices at the pump. I find it incredible that AJC and WSB are now asking, “How did the panic start”…

On a brighter note, the BP at Dallas Highway and Macland Road in Paulding County where I normally purchase fuel was selling premium for $2.89/gallon last night at 9:00p - they were out of standard and mid grade fuels and were offering premium for the price of 87 octane. I commend the owner of this station - he/she runs their business in a way that will result in continued loyalty.

By Kirk

September 1, 2005 12:19 PM | Link to this

At about 2 p.m. yesterday I had to stop for gas in Macon on the way to Savannah, and found every pump along the interstate there crammed with Geico employees. The company unleashed all 3,000 people at once to go get gas - 3,000 people more than should have even been out looking for gas. I bet that effect cascaded statewide in about 10 minutes. Thanks Geico. Nobody saved anything thanks to you and the media panic outlets.

By Marcia Dearborn

September 1, 2005 12:19 PM | Link to this

I was very low on gasoline so ran out to EXXON at Chamblee Dunwoody & 285. They were charging $3.39 for high test & 3 hours later $4.59. I’ll never buy another item from them ever. It was simply price gouging. When I got back to my side of town (East Cobb) prices were high but not exhorbitant. EXXON has a history of this behavior!!

By Stacey

September 1, 2005 12:23 PM | Link to this

I was in Dunwoody all day yesterday, and at about 6 PM, my tank was just barely above empty. But I saw the lines at the gas stations in the area and decided to wait, hoping the lines would be shorter later on. At 9:30 PM, I drove home down 141 and at least HALF of all the gas stations the entire way were completely out of gas, with bags over the pumps or yellow tape wrapped around the whole area. Of the first stations that were open in the area, I saw prices as high as $3.59. I wasn’t willing to pay that much, so I kept on driving. My tank was on E by the time I made it up to the area I live in, which is John’s Creek (Suwanee). Luckily, the Shell on McGinnis Ferry still had gas. I had to wait in line for about thirty minutes, but the price was still low — 2.79 a gallon. I’m just glad I made it to a station before my car ran out of gas. I’m also very happy that the price wasn’t jacked up to over 3 dollars.

By deedubya

September 1, 2005 12:23 PM | Link to this

I saw that terrorists will never have to do a thing. We will destroy ourselves because we are stupid, greedy and self centered.

By Nan

September 1, 2005 12:47 PM | Link to this

I work in downtown Atlanta (across from the Capitol) and had a little over a quarter of a tank left and had no idea there would even be gas lines!!! I live in Douglas County. At 6:30, I finally found a gas station, (Shell) after going to seven that claimed they were out of gas. The ones that had gas, the lines were backed up onto the street. - But I paid $3.799 for regular - total $37.62 - for a Saturn???? Something must be done! This is just plain communistic! If this continues, I think the “work force” needs to go to at least a 4 day work week.

By Bill Mizzell

September 1, 2005 12:50 PM | Link to this

I would like to see the Governor issue a mandatory 55 mile-per-hour-limit on all roads until the gas crisis is under control. Whatever it takes to end the gas crisis needs to happen. Also, no service at drive in windows, banks or restaurants. We need to pull together as citizens of hope and reduce our gasoline consumption until this crisis is over.

By Lawerenceville

September 1, 2005 12:53 PM | Link to this

Long lines at every station from Decatur to Lawrenceville and gas ranging from $2.89 to $4.09. Luckily I got gas yesterday morning! And President Bush is NOT to blame for the gas prices, the crazy people waiting in lines to buy gas and the store owners are!!!

By Mark

September 1, 2005 12:56 PM | Link to this

No gas available in Cartersville last night on the way home at 10:30 PM. To get BACK to work today….believe it or not… I had to siphon gas from the lawn tractor and push mower!! God, let there be gas somewhere so I can drive the 55 miles back home tonight!!

By Yolie

September 1, 2005 12:57 PM | Link to this

Yesterday on the way home, I saw the gas lines on Dallas highway in Cobb County at the two stations RaceTrac and Chevron. They were pretty long and then there was an idiot trying to rush pass a lady in a van who appeared to be sitting there for a long time. He hit her vehicle! Then, he looked at her like she was crazy and tried to drive past her until she got out to see if he had done any damage. She had to literally stand in front of his vehicle while her passenger checked the rear of the van. PANIC!

By Midtown Diva

September 1, 2005 12:58 PM | Link to this

at 6:45AM today, I went to the BP where Cheshire Bridge, Lavista and Lindberg meet. They had signs posted that read “Silver (medium grade) gas same price as Regualr Grade. Take advantage. Thank You”; the regular grade was running low, so they decided to HELP the consumer instead of GOUGE the prices…. Both grades were only $2.89 per gallon, the same price it was last night. That’s good service, and I will go back to fill up again and again at that station. Thanks BP!

By momfor2

September 1, 2005 01:09 PM | Link to this

Stations overcharging for gas — $5 and up — should be report to the Governor’s Office of Consumer Affairs @ 404-651-8600. Let’s not just stand by and let these opportunistic businesses take advantage of us! And please stop the madness — there is NO SHORTAGE!

By david

September 1, 2005 01:10 PM | Link to this

Governor, I live in the small town of Flowery Branch, Ga. and I would like to report every single gas station in this vicinity for price gouging. If they deny it, I would like to report them for lying too…I didn’t buy gas yesterday but will need to again soon. since I do use my car and am too lazy to ride my bike I now must decide which “crook” to do business with or better yet, I may just get the ole bike back out. Drive safely…

By Glynis

September 1, 2005 01:20 PM | Link to this

I filled up yesterday morning before the panic and I’m glad I did. However, I am truly disgusted, with people left with nothing throughout the gulf coast and New Orleans practically a war zone, that this is going on - the long lines at gas stations disrupting peoples’ commutes and price gouging.

By Sharmah

September 1, 2005 01:20 PM | Link to this

Yesterday’s “Gas Panic” was a mess! I watched from the window if the express bus from Cobb County I was riding on to see two grown men fighting each other at the Shell Gas station on 14th street! Thank God the windows weren’t open and my child didn’t see or hear the fracas—what a horrible sight! That was one of the more relaxing commutes home I’ve had in a long time!

By Mel

September 1, 2005 01:22 PM | Link to this

I’m on ‘E’ now but I have just enough to get home tonight from Atlanta. My husband is telecommuting today and tomorrow to keep from having to drive from McDonough to N. Druid Hills (we usually carpool). We have two other cars in the driveway with full tanks of $2.49 gas that we filled before this mess started. When the car I’m driving gets home tonight, I’ll swap it for another full tank and drive for another week on it until all this idiocy is over. I refuse to pay $3 a gallon for gas, let alone $6. Why line up and pay for overpriced gas? It’s stupid.

By Ally

September 1, 2005 01:26 PM | Link to this

I am a college student in a small town. I was planning on coming home this weekend to visit my parents for the first time since school began. So of course I rushed to get gas because I actually had a reason to get it! What angered me was all the locals getting gas who had no significant reason to.

By Chris

September 1, 2005 01:26 PM | Link to this

While fueling at the BP at Flat Shoals & Flakes Mill rd, they ran out of regular. Instead of jacking up prices like everyone else, they sold the silver 89 octane at the regular 87 octane price. Many thanks to them for showing some decency!

By Juli

September 1, 2005 01:33 PM | Link to this

I saw long lines that slowed traffic. I did fill up even though I could have waited a day or two, but I have seen this type of thing before and knew that even if I didn’t fill up today, that the prices were going to go sky high initially. I am not traveling anywhere this weekend and now have enough gas to get me through to the middle of next week going back and forth to work. Maybe by then the situation will have calmed down a bit. I want to say thanks to the owner of the BP in my neighborhood, not only did he not raise his prices sky high, his entire staff was out helping to direct the traffic in his lot and making sure that people got in and out quickly and easily. I wasn’t in line more than 10 minutes. I noticed other stations in my area that were gouging. I won’t ever go there again.

By Ivona

September 1, 2005 01:34 PM | Link to this

We live in Mableton, off Floyd Rd. The gas stations all around us had gas and very long lines yesterday afternoon so we decided to wait, even though our tanks were in need of refilling. By 11 pm, most of our neighboring stations were out of gas and had shut down. At 11:20 pm, we refilled at a gas station nearby which had just a few cars, relatively decent prices (around $3/gal.), but was running very low on gas and they weren’t sure if they’d have any this morning. The shortage was caused primarily by the owners of gas- guzzling SUVs and heavy trucks whose tanks require over 30 gallons to fill up and who decided to do so en masse yesterday. Not fair to the rest of us who drive economical cars.

By Scott Thompson

September 1, 2005 02:02 PM | Link to this

Last night the AM news radio station in Atlanta was almost laughing at everyone that was in a panic over the gas situation. That is sad since it was the media that caused the scare. The truth is that there was and is a shortage. It takes more than a run to empty so many gas stations. After listening to the Governor I almost believed there wasn’t a problem, but on my way to work this morning all the stations were out of gas. That seems like a problem to me. Hysteria or not - it’s still a problem.

By Arnold

September 1, 2005 02:32 PM | Link to this

Early Thursday morning in Demorest, GA, the BP had regular priced at $2.99, at 4:45 PM it was $3.26, at 6:30 PM it was $3.76, at 9:00 PM it was $3.09. Today, they are out. They are definitely taking advantage of everyone they can.

By nick

September 1, 2005 02:34 PM | Link to this

I wanted to stop at QT at Hwy 138 in Jonesboro yesterday just to get a cold drink. Lines backed up in every direction. Suffice it to say that I turned around and didn’t get a cold drink after all..

By Drew Sims

September 1, 2005 02:48 PM | Link to this

Just moved here from California…No wonder the South has such a backwards reputation. You people are not too bright. You’ll sit in line, in your big guzzling SUV, for gas to save a few bucks while yacking on a cell phone you probably don’t need. Don’t think we need to worry about the South rising again.