On Wednesday morning, the Okaloosa County Public Safety Department issued an update on the gas shortage, primarily as it relates to our local area.
“Many, previously empty, dispensaries have already received delivery of fuel and our area is faring well,” said Patrick Maddox, Director of Public Safety. “We’ll continue to monitor the supply being replenished to meet increased demand.”
According to Maddox, our region has plenty of inventory, although the coverage of the Colonial Pipeline Coverage created a sense of urgency amongst the public causing demand to outpace delivery rate.
“As long as we practice patience at the pump and there is not a run on fuel stations by the general public, distribution will catch up to equal the demand,” he continued. “While there are currently no issues at or with the refineries, the shipping transportation delay to meet demand is obvious in our region.”
The State of Florida is currently under an extended time of service emergency order, issued by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, allowing service drivers to work extended hours.
Additionally, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis issued a State of Emergency on Tuesday, related to the disruption of the Colonial Pipeline.