"There's a logistics issue," Sitton said, rather than a supply issue. As pipelines and refineries affected by the hurricane come back online and roads continue to open, supply trucks will be able to provide gas stations around Texas with gasoline from suppliers around the country. The national inventory of gasoline is 230 million barrels, which is more than enough to cover the few million barrel loss caused by Houston refineries that closed temporarily or are operating at reduced capacity because of flooding. But Sitton warned that if people rush to gas stations to fill up their tank out of fear that the supply will run out, they will cause an increased demand. "Even if all the refineries were running," Sitton said, "we'd still be having this issue." Many Austinites seem to have ignored this warning.The people saying that there's no #Gasshortage should Google "supply and demand". 30 deep in line for gas @Costco in #Austin #Harvey2017 pic.twitter.com/T2uNM9HRw7
— Jennifer Barkley (@jennbarkley) September 1, 2017
Monday is Labor Day, and an increased number of drivers are anticipated to be on the road during the holiday weekend. If people cannot get gas or fear a continued shortage, however, they may cancel plans.Refineries shutting does not mean we're out of gas. Come on #Austin #DOOMSDAY prepers pic.twitter.com/bDQnod0Gok
— TiltShiftStudio (@TILTSH1FT) September 1, 2017
On Twitter, some Texans posted the locations of gas stations that were out of gas or still had gas available. Others commented on the frenzy that the perceived shortage has caused.Gas available at #Exxon on 1826 & 45 in SW Austin pic.twitter.com/WaKxE5Ju5H
— Scott Henderson (@SHenderson1975) September 1, 2017
I feel icky waiting in line for gas. I need gas, I'm not a panicker. The lineup suggests I'm in the minority. I'm in Austin. #sillypeople
— Frigatebird79 (@Frigatebird79) September 1, 2017
This whole gas thing is making traffic worse in austin and imma need people to chill
— addie (@addieamazing) September 1, 2017