Gas problem put in simple terms...
 

It seems several people blindly accept the media and goverment officials telling them that there would be no gas shortage if not for the panic. Figured I'd post this for them.

Americans have been using virtually 100% of gas and oil produced as of late.

As much as 20% of oil production and 10% of refining capacity has been affected by the hurricane.

Pretty simple, there is now 20% less oil and 10% less gas available NATIONWIDE (nevermind CA) than there was a week ago.

The amount of lost refining capacity in the US equals MORE than the entire refining capacity of Canada.

There are no backup refineries as all of them have been pumping out as much as possible for a long time.

Add in the panic purchases and it's just a big problem getting worse. Cry, bitch, moan, or blame the people filling up but it would seem a gas shortage is very real and could last for a while.

Cheers.

gas price will never decline.....doomed planet

If I remember correctly gas rose around 24 cents after hurricane Ivan which barely clipped oil rigs. Katrina plowed right over it and got some refineries to boot.