Pee Dee motorists see little relief at gasoline pumps

Despite reports of oil costs decreasing, the aftermath of Hurricane Ike isn’t allowing any relief at the pump.

The average cost of gasoline reached a record high Monday in South Carolina with regular unleaded selling for $4.12 a gallon, according to a press release from AAA Carolinas.

Some Florence gasoline stations increased their prices as much as 80 cents in a 24-hour period Thursday and Friday as Ike neared landfall in Texas, and some stations ran out of fuel.

The temporary closing of oil refineries on the Gulf Coast caused an increase in demand, said David E. Parsons, CEO of AAA Carolinas.

“During the next few days, availability will be sporadic and prices will remain high,” Parsons said in the release.

No gasoline stations in Florence appeared to be completely out of gasoline Monday afternoon, although some were out of certain grades. The cost of regular unleaded ranged from $3.99 to $4.29 within city limits.

Government officials have warned gasoline stations not to price gouge, but management at Tommy’s Quick Mart on Irby Street wants people to know there is nothing it can do about the high prices.

Teresa Hartley, the manager of Tommy’s, said their distributor’s price increased from $3.40 to $5.21 a gallon in just two days because of Ike.

With their price for regular unleaded at $3.99, Tommy’s is losing $1.22 for every gallon purchased, Hartley said.

“This is the price we paid for gas,” management wrote on notes posted on all pumps. “As you see, we did not pass this increase to our customers.”

Tommy’s management posted the notes after multiple customers accused the gasoline station of price gouging.

“It’s not always the store owner’s fault,” Hartley said.

According to AAA Carolinas, it will take at least seven to 10 days for gasoline supply and production to return to pre-Ike levels. Until then, AAA is urging people to not fill their tanks to the top for fear of a gasoline shortage.

Lee Brown, a Florence resident who bought gasoline at Tommy’s on Monday, said he understands AAA’s request to limit purchases.

“That sounds reasonable,” Brown said. “We all have to look out for one another, so drive less and just get whatever it takes to get you by until we can get some relief.”

Others say they have no choice. Sterling McMilan, a University of South Carolina student who was in Florence visiting his mother, filled up a five-gallon portable tank in addition to having a full tank in his car.

“I’m getting this because I don’t want all the pumps to be empty, and I have to get to work,” said McMilan, who planned on driving back to Columbia on Monday. “(You have to) get it while you can.”

Although it’s unknown when Tommy’s will gets its next gasoline delivery, which normally would’ve already arrived, even Hartley doesn’t blame people for ignoring AAA’s request.

“What if they don’t fill up today (and) Wednesday they say ‘We’re all out and the whole town of Florence has no gas?’” she said. “I’d rather be safe and fill my car up and pay a little extra than end up Friday with no gas and no way to get to work.”