Seeing local gas prices still climbing following Harvey’s aftermath. Triple-A confirms Miami-West Palm are now the official highest prices in the state.
Per AAA:
“The most expensive markets for gas prices in the state are:
West Palm Beach – $2.50
Miami – $2.45
Fort Lauderdale – $2.44″
Gulf Coast Refinery Updates
As of Wednesday evening, the Department of Energy (DOE) is reporting that 10 Gulf Coast refineries remain shut down
Six refineries have begun the process of assessing damage and restarting, which may take several days. Two refineries in the Gulf Coast region are operating at reduced rates.
Refineries in Lake Charles, La., could shut or reduce rates as Harvey moves east.
The DOE has released 500,000 barrels of oil from the U.S. Strategic Petroleum Reserve – the nation’s reserve of crude oil. The oil will be delivered via pipeline to the Phillips 66 refinery in Westlake, LA. According to DOE, it will continue to review incoming requests for oil in the reserve, meaning that it could release more if deemed necessary.
Pipeline Status
Several major pipelines continue to operate at reduced rates, have shut down or plan to shut down due to lack of supply.
The Colonial Pipeline announced Wednesday evening it expects to temporarily suspend its gasoline, diesel and jet fuel pipelines. With its supplying refineries closed in the area, the pipeline operator cited reduced output as the reason for suspending its transportation operations. The Pipeline originates in Houston and supplies the East Coast.
“The shut downs do not indicate a shortage of gasoline supplies in the Gulf Coast region or across the country,” said Carrasco. “Overall stocks in the Gulf are above average levels and will be available to drivers once power is restored and area roads are cleared.”
Check gas price averages: HERE
