Gas stations across Florida are facing widespread fuel shortages as residents rush to prepare for Hurricane Milton with many stations running dry due to heightened demand.
As of Tuesday evening, 19.7% of gas stations statewide were out of gasoline, a sharp increase from just 3% the day before, according to GasBuddy.
Gas stations out of fuel
The situation is particularly dire in areas under evacuation orders, such as Fort Myers, where 70% of gas stations have no fuel.
The surge in demand comes as residents in the storm’s projected path fill their tanks in preparation for possible evacuation or to power generators in the event of extended power outages.
Florida governor Ron DeSantis has urged residents to avoid panic buying, which can exacerbate the shortages, and reassured the public that emergency fuel supplies are being distributed to affected areas.
“We have been dispatching fuel over the past 24 hours as gas stations have run out,” DeSantis said at a press conference, noting that the state has 1.2 million gallons of gasoline and diesel en route to Florida, in addition to reserves being drawn upon.
However, he acknowledged that long lines and fast-depleting supplies at gas stations could continue as the storm approaches.
Climate change to blame
Meanwhile, meteorologist John Morales in Florida broke down on air on hearing the news that the storm has strengthened into a Category 5 hurricane.
The broadcaster sheeted the storm home to global warming during his broadcast, warning that it would wreak horrific damage to areas in its path.
Experts warn that the situation could worsen if the Port of Tampa, a critical entry point for fuel supplies, sustains damage from the hurricane.
The port, currently closed ahead of the storm, is responsible for receiving much of Florida's gasoline via tankers and barges.
Any significant damage or delays in reopening the port could prolong the fuel shortage, according to Tom Kloza, global head of energy analysis for OPIS.
State officials are making contingency plans to address potential disruptions at the port, which could include rerouting fuel deliveries to other entry points and attempting to ensure that fuel continues to flow into the state before and after the storm.