News Release No. 392

DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES MONITORS
FUEL SUPPLIES IN ADVANCE OF HURRICANE RITA

Volume 33-392

Contact: Larry Archer

(For immediate release)

573-751-3807

JEFFERSON CITY, MO, SEPT. 22, 2005 -- Fuel supplies in Missouri appear to be adequate to meet normal demand following the anticipated landfall of Hurricane Rita early Saturday, according to the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.

The department's Energy Center, which tracks fuel supplies and prices, surveyed the suppliers that provide most of Missouri with its motor fuel and found sufficient amounts to meet the state's normal need.
"We've inventoried Missouri terminal operators, and it appears that overall supplies will be sufficient for routine operation. The major suppliers and pipeline operators tell us they expect to resume operation of pipelines within a few days after the hurricane makes landfall, and they have supplies available to transport to Missouri," said Anita Randolph, director of the department's Energy Center.

It is important for Missouri drivers to avoid panic buying or hoarding of fuel. Missouri drivers can help maintain overall supplies by avoiding topping off fuel tanks and conserving motor fuels, Randolph said.

"If people start making runs on service stations, our timeframe could be shortened," she said.

Several petroleum pipelines and refineries shut down by Hurricane Katrina were back in operation less than a week after that storm hit. The shortages seen in some places after the hurricane were either a result of the lack of electricity or panic buying by motorists. Once power was restored, motor fuel and oil began to flow again.

Given the experience of Katrina, drivers can expect fuel prices to go up, but to what level will remain unknown until the extent of Rita's damage is seen. Rack prices in Missouri, the price paid by retailers at the terminal, have increased an average of 33 cents per gallon for gasoline since Monday.

While the department will track prices, it has no legal authority to control fuel prices or investigate price gouging. It relies on voluntary price information supplied by local gas stations and fuel distributors across Missouri.

The department's Energy Center focuses on providing information to the public about issues related to fuel uses, including suggestions on saving money on transportation costs. For example, tires that are only five pounds under inflated can cut gas mileage by 10 percent, while a poorly tuned engine can cost drivers 3-9 percent more in gas usage than a well-tuned one. Losing 10 percent of the average car's efficiency adds $1.24 to the cost of a week's 10-mile, one-way commute. Switching from commuting by oneself to using public transportation or carpooling can save drivers hundreds of dollars per year.

You can learn more about the department's Energy Center and its information on the Web at www.dnr.mo.gov/gasprices.htm. For more information, contact the Department of Natural Resources' Energy Center at 573-751-2254 or the department toll free at 800-361-4827.

For news releases on the Web, visit www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel. For a complete listing of the department's upcoming meetings, hearings and events, visit the department's online calendar at www.dnr.mo.gov/calendar/search.do.

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