About 80% of retail stations in Northern New Jersey were still without power or gasoline Monday in the wake of Hurricane Sandy, according to the New Jersey Gasoline, C-Store, Automotive Association (NJGCA).
Sal Risalvato, executive director of NJGCA, said the situation was less severe in the southern part of the state, where only 10% of retailers were without power or gasoline.
The difficultly in the northern part of New Jersey, Risalvato said, was getting trucks loaded at distribution points at the rack and getting gasoline out of the ground at retail stations that have no power.
"It is not a supply issue. There is no gas shortage; it is a delivery shortage. The situation is creating a downward pressure on prices," he said.
The state of New Jersey has enacted an odd/even rule regarding license plates and calendar days, meaning residents with plates ending with odd numbers can go to retail stations on odd calendar days.
But Risalvato said his members were having a hard time enforcing the rule due to uncooperative customers, although it has been easing lines at the pump.
As power is returned to some New Jersey residents, Risalvato said demand for gasoline for home-powered generators has also somewhat eased long lines at the pump.
As far as retail prices, Risalvato said there has been little change, although some retailers have raised prices.
"Some have even gone beyond the allowable price under a state of emergency but have been cited by the Department of Consumer Affairs," he said. "But overall, most retailers have been restrained."
Risalvato said he remains in contact with NJGCA members by email, but for those who are without Internet, text messaging has been the key to communication.
New Jersey Governor Chris Christie has promised more gasoline to the areas of the state without power by Friday. Risalvato said that could ease some of the distribution issues in the state.
