News 12 First at Five, September 26, 2008

AROUND THE C.S.R.A -- Some of you tried to wait it out, but it seems like the panic at the pumps is in full swing on both sides of the river and the relief, well, wouldn't we all like to know when it's coming?

News 12 hit the road to hear from you

As the gas supply continues to shrink, tanks and patience are running on empty.

"It's a nightmare. I ain't never seen something like this." James Wilkins should know. "I'm stranded at the red light." More than three miles away but this is the first place he could find gas.

Up the road., Michael Allen at least made it to the station, but ran out of gas waiting in line. "This is just uncalled for! I mean there has to be gas somewhere."

With hour long waits and lines everywhere you turn and shortages all over town a big question for many drivers is, is this gas crisis caused by a real shortage or is it caused by panic?

"I think it's pretty silly. I really do believe it's because of the panic but i'm sitting on empty my gas tank just ran out as I round the corner, so I had no choice." So Renee Josey is killing time by journaling as she waits and waits. "I think it's something my children and grandchildren are going to laugh at in 20 years."

Maybe, but for now, it's no laughing matter for a lot of folks like Beverly Lowenstein. "I'm risking I hope not ruining my engine because I'm having to put unleaded gas in this car."

But the stress for Lowenstein goes beyond a lack of premium fuel. "I'm distraught. I'm having anxiety over it. It frightens me."

And she's not alone. "It's taken a big cut. We don't go out as much as we used to." Now Andrea Thornton is thinking of what else may lie ahead past the long lines. "I'm going to have to get a job instead of being a stay at home mom. I mean seriously."

In the meantime people are being resourceful. One woman we spoke with even brought her laptop to pay her bills online while in line.