Dolly's effect on Florida: higher gas prices?
By
Lindsay Liepman, WINK News
Story Created:
Jul 21, 2008 at 5:57 PM EST
Story Updated:
Jul 21, 2008 at 7:06 PM EST
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA - When you heard Tropical Storm Dolly was headed toward Texas, did you tune out? Well, listen to this. What's brewing in the Gulf right now, could affect your gas prices.
"I know the gas prices are way too high now and if they go any higher no one's going to be able to afford to drive," said Driver Jeremy Hawk.
That's why Meteorologists aren't the only ones keeping an eye on the tropics.
Economist Dr. Gary Jackson is too.
"Every body's kind of waiting to see what this hurricane is going to do," said Dr. Jackson, Director of the Regional Economic Research Institute, FGCU.
Dolly is heading toward Texas and Mexico. It's on the right track to miss major refineries.
"Most of the refineries in the US are going to be further north so it won't effect them. Most of the Mexican production is further south," Dr. Jackson showed us.
But already Shell has evacuated 125 people from it's rigs in the Gulf of Mexico and another 60 are expected to fly out again Monday.
Exxon Mobil is preparing its facilities like you would your home because neither of these companies want production to be stopped.
"If there's a disruption to supply, that could effect our prices and gasoline production," said Dr. Jackson.
WINK News spoke with some Florida drivers who say they'll fill up their tanks before Dolly hits, just in case.
Already, the threat of Dolly has caused a slight increase in Monday's oil prices.
Some drivers are convinced Florida will feel the effect.
"Oh it will effect us here in Florida. I've heard rumors gas will go up to $10 a gallon. I've heard it all and I will fill up," said Driver Connie Huggins.
After Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, gas prices hit record highs when refineries were shut down along the Gulf Coast.
Tuesday, Jul 22 at 6:56 PM Sunflower wrote ...
There have's to be a decision very soon about drilling in the coast because it's hurting everyone.We all are suffering because all this mess.
Tuesday, Jul 22 at 12:47 PM HurriMcCain wrote ...
Recently, Congress’s approval rating was at 9%. King George had an approval rating of around 15% at the time of the revolution. Congress has been seriously discussing raising the tax on gas another 10 cents per gallon. They want more of our money. Why wait for a hurricane to ruin us? We have Congress. By the way, gas is less than $1.00 per US per gallon in Saudi Arabia.
Tuesday, Jul 22 at 12:01 PM Alex wrote ...
I hope gas goes to ten dollars a gallon, then the rich will be the same as us poor people.
Tuesday, Jul 22 at 8:59 AM Anonymous wrote ...
all they do is talk about a storm and there goes the gas prices and the the riches get more ritcher and the poor people has to suffer
Monday, Jul 21 at 7:40 PM Topher wrote ...
This doesn't really pertain to Dolly, but lets quit paying the Arabs millions of dollars, and lets start drilling and building more refineries here! Drill Here! Drill Now! Pay Less!
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