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A gasoline shortage has gripped parts of the Southeastern US for the last several days, causing long lines and empty gas stations. The severe shortage began about two weeks ago in Atlanta, Georgia after oil refineries in the Gulf Coast were shut down before Hurricanes Gustav and Ike. Parts of north Georgia, western North Carolina and Tennessee were also affected.

Most gas stations in the Atlanta area have run out of gas. On days when oil companies deliver fuel, there are long lines of motorists waiting to fill up. Man bring extra tanks, further exacerbating the situation. The shortage has had an impact on commuting. Many say they are forced to carpool to save fuel and there has been a large decrease in traffic congestion. Prices in the area are over four dollars a gallon, well above the national average.

In an effort to alleviate some of the pressure, Georgia governor Sonny Perdue has asked President Bush to consider releasing crude oil from the strategic petroleum reserve to refineries in the Gulf. Officials are hoping that the shortage will only last another week, but some analysts say it could continue until mid October.