Déjà Vu: Does Florida Face Another Potential Fuel Crisis Amid Hurricane Idalia?

August 28, 2023

August 28, 2023

Emergency Contact: For immediate assistance, call us at 972-999-1777
Order Emergency Fuel: Contact us to place an order for emergency fuel delivery. Our fuel agents are available 24/7.


As Hurricane Idalia looms over Florida, there's an eerie sense of déjà vu. Last year, Hurricane Ian wreaked havoc on the state's fuel supply, forcing companies like Fuel Logic to bring in fuel from out-of-state. Now, with Idalia approaching and a recent fuel contamination issue, we could be facing a repeat situation.

The Ghost of Hurricane Ian

In 2022, Hurricane Ian left nearly 11% of Florida's gas stations without fuel. Cities like Tampa were even worse off, with 26% of stations running dry. Fuel Logic had to ration diesel sales and bring in trucks and fuel from other states to meet the demand. Eliot Vancil, President of Fuel Logic, summed it up succinctly: "We are definitely short." As we mentioned in our previous blog post, "Most of our fleet was grounded in southern Florida, but we were fully operational as soon as conditions allowed."

New Twist: Fuel Contamination

As if a potential hurricane wasn't enough, Florida officials have warned of "potentially widespread" fuel contamination that could damage car engines and leave drivers stranded. The contamination occurred after workers at Citgo accidentally switched diesel and gasoline in a shipment to stations. Read the original announcement here.

The Perfect Storm?

The combination of an approaching hurricane and fuel contamination could create a perfect storm for another fuel crisis. Not only could vehicles be affected, but generators used in the case of storm-related power outages could also be compromised. As we've emphasized in our preparedness blog, keeping generators at least six feet away from your premises and ensuring they are well-ventilated can make a significant difference.

What Can We Do?

  1. Stay Informed: Keep an eye on weather forecasts and fuel supply updates.
  2. Fuel Up: Try to keep your fuel tanks at least half-full.
  3. Check Your Sources: Make sure to purchase fuel from reputable stations that are not on the contaminated list.

Fuel Logic's Commitment

Fuel Logic is actively monitoring the situation and is prepared to bring in fuel from other states if necessary. We are committed to providing timely updates and solutions to ensure that businesses and residents can continue their operations with minimal disruption.

Conclusion

As Hurricane Idalia approaches, it's crucial to prepare for the worst while hoping for the best. By learning from last year's challenges and staying informed about the current situation, we can better navigate the stormy waters ahead.


Emergency Contact: For immediate assistance, call us at 972-999-1777
Order Emergency Fuel: Contact us to place an order for emergency fuel delivery. Our fuel agents are available 24/7.

COVID 19 statement
While Fuel Logic remains open for business, our main concern is the safety of our clients, our partners, and our employees. We continue to monitor this COVID 19 situation closely. This is an evolving situation please be assured that we are closely monitoring the advice of the CDC and abiding by the regulations set by federal and state health authorities. We are taking the necessary actions to make sure that our employees, clients, and partners are protected.
linkedin facebook pinterest youtube rss twitter instagram facebook-blank rss-blank linkedin-blank pinterest youtube twitter instagram