Nebraska drivers seeing gas deficit at stations in Seward, Lincoln and Omaha
LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – As of Monday, drivers in Seward, Omaha and Lincoln have found gas stations running low or not having any gas to sell at all.
In an attempt to help, Governor Jim Pillen decided to sign an executive order that extends the window drivers have to deliver fuel to gas stations, while also increasing the weight they are allowed to carry by 10%.
For Lincoln driver Mouse Younis, the news reports he’s seen concerning a shortage of gas hit close to home on Monday when he pulled up to his neighborhood pump for fuel.
“Everyone knows – seeing the news – all that’s going on, but to actually have it affect our everyday life, like I said, it puts you in that reality check,” said Younis.
He told Channel 8 that he had to make a quick decision to change the type of gas he uses when he found red stickers on most pumps, reading “This machine is temporarily out of order. We apologize for the inconvenience.”
That gas station just one of many across the state having a hard time keeping their pumps full.
Casey’s gas station acknowledged the problem and said it’s aware of temporary fuel supply challenges affecting availability at some locations.
Younis says after confirming that many of his friends and family also had the same issue finding gas, he made the decision to adapt.
He said instead of using the regular 87 gas he’s used to, he confirmed it would be okay to use the one with 10% ethanol.
“I had to look it up, if my car could even take [it], which it can thankfully, but I was unfamiliar with that and kind, just having to adapt to these changes has made a difference in my life,” said Younis.
Adding, “At the end of the day, it’s like, what am I going to do? Not get gas?”
Governor Pillen’s newest executive order cites a combination of global supply disruptions, which includes the conflict in Iran and a high demand harvest season in Nebraska.
Many experts say not to worry however, this is a temporary problem with refineries switching from summer to winter fuel and performing maintenance this time of year.
They also say harvest drives up demand for diesel, which moves through the same pipelines as gasoline, leaving less room for gas.
Patrick Dahan with Gas Buddy, says the problems are not widespread, and it doesn’t mean there’s a nationwide gas shortage.
As for Younis, he says only time will tell.
“I’ll know it’s helped when it actually does. Either way, I’m happy to see some kind of progression being made, but the job is not finished. I need my gas,” he said.
