Staten Islanders flock to gas pumps in response to pipeline shutdown
BY
Justine Re
Staten Island
PUBLISHED 3:37 PM ET May 12, 2021PUBLISHED 3:37 PM EDT May 12, 2021
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STATEN ISLAND — The lines to get gas at the Costco on Richmond Avenue were at a standstill Wednesday morning.
A pipeline that provides fuel to the East Coast was shut down after a cyber attack a few days ago, creating gas shortages in states throughout the Southeast. Here in New York City, Staten Islanders were filling up, just in case. Staten Islander Fran Meronchak said it was worth waiting in line.
What You Need To Know
A pipeline that provides fuel to the East Coast was shut down after a cyber attack a few days ago, creating gas shortages in states through the Southeast
On Staten Island Wednesday, lines for gas stretched far longer than usual
One station ran out of gas for two hours on Wednesday morning
Robert Sinclair Jr., senior manager of public affairs at AAA, said New Yorkers have nothing to worry about
“I said I better fill up my car before it’s all gone," Meronchak explained. "I was on line for 15 to 20 minutes.”
The gas station attendant on duty, Khant Mon, said it has been tough directing all the cars the past few days.
“Ever since everyone has heard the stuff on the news, everyone has been going crazy trying to get gas, trying to fill up," Mon said.
The Mobil station on Richmond Avenue and Arthur Kill Road ran out of gas for two hours Wednesday morning. We spoke to a worker who had to deal with the situation on his shift.
"Maybe people heard something and they come here like they do every day," Shady Kandes said.
Once they got the new shipment, Rosemarie Carroll and her husband headed there to avoid lines.
“You have to do certain things with your car. I went by Costco, the line is off the roof," Carroll said.
Other people filling up were carefree.
“I just needed gas. I’m going to the doctor," local Frank Camuto said.
The gas stations NY1 visited had gas prices that ranged between $2.84 and $2.89 per gallon.
Robert Sinclair Jr., the senior manager of Public Affairs at AAA, said New Yorkers have nothing to worry about.
"There is no supply problem unless you create one. If demand goes up 100% or 200%, 300% when you start panicking, so that is the thing. If you need gas, line up. If you don’t, live your life as normal," Sinclair said. "In our area, we don't really need to worry about any kind of supply because we have so much port area and waterside terminals."
Nonetheless, based on the crowds we saw Wednesday, people were determined to stock up.
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