Ohio solar eclipse: Could gas stations run out of fuel?
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – With Ohio located in the path of totality of the solar eclipse, the state is expecting an influx of visitors. Local organizations are urging residents to fill up their tanks before the weekend, due to the possibility of gas shortages.
“Because Ohio is in a perfect spot for viewing the eclipse, there’s going to be a lot of people here and with an influx of people the resources get tight,” said Kara Hitchens, public affairs manager for AAA. “Same can be true for gas stations.”
Hitchens said stations running out of gas is a possibility, and whether gas stations will have extra gas stocked up for the eclipse will vary on a station-by-station basis.
“I would just tell people who live here now to fill your gas tank up before the weekend,” Hitchens said. “And that way you’ve got plenty of gas.”
Lorain County, which is located just outside of Cleveland and is directly in the path of totality, issued a warning that residents could have issues accessing certain items, including gas. The county has also recommended residents fill up their tanks before the weekend.
“I attempted to work with local gas stations to get a handle on this, but they apparently do not like to share supply information,” said Lorain County Department of Emergency Management Director Dave Freeman. “If we have large crowds, I do see that as a concern, especially with the smaller mom and pop stations.”
If there’s heavy traffic, Freeman said the possibility of getting additional fuel delivered could be an issue. As for central Ohio, local emergency management agencies said they believe gas stations in the area are capable of supporting a large number of people.
Delaware County Emergency Management Director Alex McCarthy said reports from the 2017 eclipse show fuel shortages could be a challenge, but he’s not concerned about widespread fuel shortages locally.
“In Delaware County, I suspect that gas stations near the exit ramps for I-71 will see the most demand, and this is where the greatest risk of shortages would probably show up,” McCarthy said. “If there are supply challenges at those locations, there are a lot of other gas stations across the county for people to turn to.”
Similarly, Franklin County Emergency Management director Darrel Koerber said the number of gas stations in and around the county are capable of supporting large crowds, as seen with Ohio State football games and the fair. He also said the agency encourages residents to fill their tanks ahead of eclipse day.
For those who want to preserve gas, Hitchens suggests drivers make sure their car is running well ahead of traveling, avoid speeding and if the weather is nice, avoid running the air conditioning.
Hitchens said drivers can use grocery store points, warehouse store memberships and loyalty memberships at gas stations to save on gas, as well as use the AAA app to find the best gas prices.
NBC4 has a gas price tracker, and it can be used as a way to find a station near you.
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