Governor Warner Applauds Improvement in Gasoline Supplies

Governor Warner Applauds Improvement in Gasoline Supplies

Governor Mark R. Warner announced today that the short-term outlook for Virginia's gasoline supplies has improved dramatically.

The Plantation pipeline, which carries gasoline from the Gulf Coast to the Commonwealth, returned to 95% capacity today, and the Colonial pipeline is operating at about 66% capacity and expects to reach 85% capacity late this weekend. An interruption in electrical service due to Hurricane Katrina briefly shut down both pipelines earlier this week, which provide 75 to 80% of Virginia's gasoline supplies.

"I would urge motorists to drive smart this holiday weekend, conserving when they can and sticking to normal fuel purchasing habits," Governor Warner said. "There have been some isolated shortages in some Virginia communities, but the situation is improving and should get better over the holiday weekend."

Concern about the supply of gas has resulted in rumors, but Virginia has ordered no limits on gasoline sales.

Law enforcement personnel and inspectors from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Affairs will be on the job this holiday weekend to investigate reports of gasoline price gouging. In 2004, Virginia adopted an anti-price gouging law in the aftermath of Hurricane Isabel the year before.

http://www.governor.virginia.gov/Press_Policy/Releases/2005/Sep05/0902b.htm