We, gas hogs, are a big part of shortfall

Blame Mother Nature and hurricanes Ike and Gustav for Atlanta’s long lines at the gas pump. Throw in an angry word for the governor’s office for not acting sooner to ease the shortage.

But be sure to flip down the sun visor in your car and take a good look in the vanity mirror, too. Stories abound of panicky metro Atlanta motorists topping off tanks for good measure, or failing to abide by limits imposed by service stations to keep enough gas on hand for everybody. Distributors say there’s enough gas provided motorists take what they need and leave some for everyone else. Atlantans also need to drive less to save fuel.

On Tuesday, the federal Environmental Protection Agency waived the requirement that metro Atlanta gas stations only sell low-sulphur gas. The move should allow other types of gas to flow to the region — once the Southeast distribution system, disrupted by Ike and Gustav, gets back on its feet.

The governor’s office requested the waiver, but his staff should have sounded alarm bells sooner, when everyone realized the potential disruption to pipelines. As it is, it will still take more time — up to two weeks — for gas to work its way through the system to Atlanta. All the more reason for motorists to curtail consumption and be responsible about filling their tanks.

Many Atlanta gas stations have imposed limits on how much gas motorists can draw. But some drivers have ignored the limits and succumbed to hoarding, topping off their tanks just because they can, according to some news reports.

Such behavior is only making the situation worse. To discourage the practice, stations might consider imposing a minimum purchase, rather than a maximum. Daily commuters should car pool or take MARTA if possible.

Crises bring out the best — or worst — of any community. What’ll it be, Atlanta?

— Ken Foskett, for the editorial board (kfoskett@ajc.com).