Ripples from Hurricane Ike

Many in Florida breathed a sign of relief when Hurricane Ike sailed past us. But the storm's impact on the Gulf Coast is being felt in Florida, mainly at the gas pump. News of many Gulf based refineries being shut down, has created higher prices in that region. While many expected to see a bump in Florida's prices, I was surprised to see several gas stations in my area were out of gas. It turns out this was not a supply problem but rather one of demand. Those who saw reports of higher gas prices, immediately ran to the pumps in such numbers as to drain the station's tanks.

Typically Florida only sees this kind of run on fuel just prior to a hurricane that hit the state. It's a combination of everyone filling up their cars as well as gas cans that will help fuel generators.