By Staff
From staff reports
Despite rumors of potential gas price surges, local petroleum owners encourage consumers to remain calm regarding gasoline supplies and prices.
In the wake of Tuesday's terrorist attacks on the United States, eyes turned to oil-producing countries in the Middle East where anti-American sentiment has been fostered and, some believe, was responsible for the attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon.
With the uncertainty of the relationship between the U.S. and countries in the Middle East, consumers flocked to service stations in large numbers, fearing future oil shortages, particularly if American retaliation is swift.
Locally, Doug White, owner of Petroleum Engineering Company in Atmore, a BP distributor, said that thus far, he had no information that supported gas price increases and he encouraged consumers to remain calm.
Other local owners were also reassuring. Bill McMurphy, owner of McMurphy Oil Co., stated he had no factual information to back up the rumors of a price increase.
Due to heightened security measures, ports and major petroleum supply areas are undergoing detailed inspections, McMurphy said.
This could, he said, result in some delayed shipments of petroleum products to U.S. distributors.
Tuesday afternoon, lines were beginning to form at local stations as people flocked to the pumps to get gas fearing shortages.