Hurricane Harvey caused some of our oil refineries in Texas to temporarily close. The ripple effect was felt throughout the state of as some stations ran low and people rushed to the pump. Many of my friends took to social media asking others to please "chill" about gassing up. Many news outlets reported that there was no real shortage of gas, but rather certain stations had trouble refilling the demand fast enough for the demand. Previously, I wrote about how there are still great people in our country eager to help our neighbors in need. Well there are some practical ways you can help our neighbors in Texas have the fuel they need as well as help the rest of the country get back to lower gas prices.
Disclaimer: I may not be an analyst for the oil industry, but I do know about the basic economic principle of supply and demand.
The oil industry is an industry after all. When Texans rushed to stations in hoards, they created a greater than usual demand while closed refineries slowed the timeliness of supply and the prices went up. With prices up around the country and Hurricane Irma heading toward us, a collaborative effort can decrease the DEMAND for oil and help bring the prices back down.
1. Organize a carpool to work, church, and other commutes
Where you have multiple people heading to the same destination, you have an opportunity to save fuel. You can take turns being the driver, split the cost of gas, and make the commute more enjoyable.
2. Plan weekend gatherings with friends and neighbors at home
It's a good excuse to have a game night, movie night, or BBQ. Neighbors can walk, friends and family can share a ride, and everyone saves on fuel because they aren't driving as much.
3. Report gas price spikes over $4
In Texas the Attorney General urged people to report spikes as there are regulations that outlaw the practice of gas gauging. While the industry as a whole can raise their prices, you shouldn't have one station in town charging $2.50 while another is charing $4.00.
4. Delay Vacations for a few weeks
If you were planning on going anywhere or even just having weekend getaways, consider putting them off. It may help the prices go back down and when you do take your road trip it will be more affordable.
5. Avoid going to the pump at rush times
Stations have been running out of fuel in Texas when there is an usually large rush of customers. In reality there is still enough fuel for everyone in the state but sometimes the stations will temporarily run out when there is a rush. When possible, plan a trip to the pump outside of morning and afternoon rush hours.
A collaborative effort can help Texas and the Country
Hurricane Harvey took a toll that will be felt for sometime and now we face the possibility of damage from Hurricane Irma. I know I for one tend to do life independently much of time but now is a good time to spend with friends and neighbors. Talk to others about carpooling and doing fun things from home. In addition to contributions to relief efforts, working together to bring down the price of fuel will go a long way in uniting to help our friends and neighbors.
