AAA Mid-Atlantic: Hurricane Florence Likely to Impact East Coast Gas Prices

PHILADELPHIA, PA (September 12, 2018) Motorists along the East Coast could potentially see a spike in gas prices in the wake of Hurricane Florence. Gas supplies are expected to tighten throughout the Carolinas, primarily along coastal areas and slightly more inland. The storm could force a reduction in fuel deliveries, which will limit supplies at local gas stations. The exodus of residents and tourists from these areas could drive up gasoline prices in and around the evacuation zones as they fuel up before leaving town.

Local Gas Prices

The immediate impact may not be as dramatic at gas pumps in the Philadelphia five-county area so far, but this could change in a matter of a few days. Unlike what was experienced with Hurricane Harvey last year, there are no refineries in Florence’s path, so U.S. crude processing should not be affected. However, if the Colonial or Plantation Pipelines were to be disrupted (both run through South Carolina, North Carolina and Virginia), prices could increase. Without power, crude oil and petroleum products cannot be moved through pipelines. Wind damage to above ground tanks at storage terminals can also impact supplies into the pipeline.

“A catastrophic storm system, such as Hurricane Florence, could cause an increase in fuel demand, due to panic buying, leading up to the storm and then reduced demand dramatically post-hurricane,” said Jana L. Tidwell, manager of Public and Government Affairs for AAA Mid-Atlantic. “Prices in and around the Delaware Valley could be affected as a result of long-term power outages that have the potential to knock out parts of the Colonial and Plantation pipelines, both major gasoline suppliers to the East Coast.”

CURRENT AND PAST GAS PRICE AVERAGES 
Regular Unleaded Gasoline 

In the areas most likely to be impacted by Hurricane Florence – North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia – gas prices have remained steady, but that will almost definitely change in the coming days as the storm bears down on the region.

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AAA provides automotive, travel and insurance services to 57 million members nationwide and more than three million members in Pennsylvania.  AAA advocates for the safety and mobility of its members and has been committed to outstanding road service for more than 100 years.  The not-for-profit, fully tax-paying member organization works on behalf of motorists, who can now map a route, find local gas prices, discover discounts, book a hotel and track their roadside assistance service with the AAA Mobile app for iPhone, iPad and Android.  For more information, visit www.AAA.com.