Gas Crunch Will Last Days

Story by Jason Molinet.

Long gas lines will be a Long Island fixture for the foreseeable future.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo said fuel shortages will continue into next week, but said more supply is flowing and expects the gas crunch to abate by the weekend.

“There are continuing issues with the fuel delivery and distribution system,” Cuomo said at a Sunday press breifing, adding, “We do believe it is a short term problem.

He predicted overcrowding on mass transit Monday because of the gas shortage. See Monday’s LIRR schedule.

Sen. Chuck Schumer, D-New York, said FEMA has earmarked gas shipments and generators for 120 gas stations in the region.

“My wife was waiting 2 ½ hours for gas,” Schumer said. “She called me every half hour asking, ‘What am I doing about it?’”

The governor promised 36 million gallons of gasoline delivered to New York terminals. But deliveries have been complicated by the fact that several gas stations are still without power. He also said the anxiety of locals lining up for fuel as well as hoarding is playing a role.

“For now patience is required,” Cuomo said. “Now is not the time to be using the car if you don’t have to.”

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