SAN ANTONIO – People across Texas are rushing to the gas pumps to fill up their tanks over fears of a gas shortage.
Distribution issues coupled with consumer panic are causing many gas stations to temporarily run out of gas, but it’s not because of a gas shortage.
Texas Railroad Commission chairman Christi Craddick has taken to Twitter to assure people that there is no gas shortage in Texas. She’s asking people to stay calm and not perpetuate rumors.
Texans - Pls stay calm and DO NOT perpetuate rumors. There is currently NO shortage of gasoline in Texas due to #Harvey. These are rumors. https://t.co/pabudWPdDF
— Christi Craddick (@ChristiCraddick) August 29, 2017
Texas Railroad commissioner Ryan Sitton has also posted on Twitter that there is no gas shortage.
Stations are running out of gas due to higher demand right now. It’s also leading to higher gas prices and creating logistical issues for gas stations waiting to have their tanks refilled.
In a statement on Texas Food & Fuel Association's website, TFFA president Paul Hardin said, "... you may see some retail sites with limited dispensers in operation; however, those cases should not be seen as there being a fuel shortage issue, rather, they are strains that reflect the emergency operation needs in the Southeastern region of the state."
He estimated the issue could last about a week.
Texans who believe they have been scammed or encountered price gouging during or after Hurricane Harvey, should call the Office of the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Hotline (800) 621-0508, email consumeremergency@oag.texas.gov or file a complaint through the state attorney general's website.