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While other parts of the country get gasoline from a variety of domestic and overseas sources, the Southeast relies heavily on two pipelines that carry fuel from the Gulf of Mexico. Because the gasoline moves at just 3 to 5 mph, it can take up to 10 days to reach Atlanta.
Perhaps an ignorant question, but where are these pipelines? Are they pipes that really travel for hundreds of miles? Where do they stop? If you're driving along can you see evidence of them from above ground? I find myself fascinated by the idea of these long, underground gasoline highways.
imo
Of course, Easley shares some of the blame for pump shortages. Under threat of anti gouging laws prices didn't rise with decrease in supply which contributed to gas hoarding. Wholesalers reluctant to supply gas to NC while prices were kept artificially low. Much like we drive to the next station to save a few pennies/gal - wholesalers would bypass NC to sell gas at higher prices. Our storage bins are low and will take some time to refill, so now we have the inverse where prices are artificially high as demand outstrips supply and distributors are unable to lower prices.
If Easley had kept his hands out of this, we would have paid higher prices temporarily, no shortages and would be enjoying lower prices now. -except for the higher gas tax we pay compared to neighboring states.
imo
Of course, Easley shares some of the blame for pump shortages. Under threat of anti gouging laws prices didn't rise with decrease in supply which contributed to gas hoarding. Wholesalers reluctant to supply gas to NC while prices were kept artificially low. Much like we drive to the next station to save a few pennies/gal - wholesalers would bypass NC to sell gas at higher prices. Our storage bins are low and will take some time to refill, so now we have the inverse where prices are artificially high as demand outstrips supply and distributors are unable to lower prices.
If Easley had kept his hands out of this, we would have paid higher prices temporarily, no shortages and would be enjoying lower prices now. -except for the higher gas tax we pay compared to neighboring states.
That would be a great argument if everywhere else had higher gas prices than us, but most places are lower.
You guys made national news today...North Carolina has the highest gas prices in the country. Had some of the lowest up until a few months ago. Did hurricane Ike hit Texas or NC?!?!
Think of the pipe line like a soaker hose and North Carolina at the end of it.
The ones closer to beginning of the hose will get more water than those at the end.
Think of the pipe line like a soaker hose and North Carolina at the end of it.
The ones closer to beginning of the hose will get more water than those at the end.
That's just it, NC is not at the end of it. New Jersey is at the end of it and VA, MD, DE, PA, and NJ also get some gas from the colonial pipeline. However, those states do not put all of their eggs in one basket like NC does. We need to get less than 85% of our gas from the Colonial (Like we do now) and start lining up some other methods for us to get gas when the TX/LA coast gets hit with a hurricane. Tell me this too...how does Atlanta have gas at $2.79 right now, where as most of the Triangle is still sitting at $3.39-$3.49 for gas? They had a much worse supply issue then us, and like NC I believe they get almost all of their gas from the Colonial pipeline. I know they are closer to the pipeline, but the gas each area can take is regulated so that the areas on down the road will have some. Bottom line (and I usually wouldn't say this), is that I DO believe at least in the Triangle area, most stations are gouging their customers right now.
Iminformed2: Alaska and Hawaii have higher prices than NC.
This would be a great case study for HS students on how free market economies benefit over socialist economies.
Some of us recall TV coverage of the nationwide shortages of basic commodities in Russia's socialist economy.
We all know the accelerated costs of food due mostly to the ethanol gov't mandates.
When government regulation artificially impacts supply &/or demand, consumers suffer the unnecessary consequences of short supply &/or higher prices. NC is an example of how quickly government action can impact the system with unintended results.
Iminformed2: Alaska and Hawaii have higher prices than NC.
you're right...I meant to say continental US. NC has the highest in the lower 48. I knew NC had the highest gas tax in the nation from that never-ending political commerical a few years ago; but even with the highest gas tax in the nation NC was still usually cheaper than average.
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