By Colin Campbell 11/09/12 9:35am

Running on Empty

A Brooklyn gas station on Wednesday. (Photo: Getty)

Bloomberg Promises ‘A Police Officer at Every Gas Station’ During Shortage

Yesterday, Mayor Michael Bloomberg announced new regulations to ration gasoline in New York City. Based on the last digit of their licence plate number, drivers will be able to fill up their tanks exclusively on odd or even numbered days, starting at 6 a.m. this morning. And, on his weekly radio interview with John Gambling today, Mr. Bloomberg made it clear that there wouldn’t be a lot of options to get around the policy.

“What we have done is put a police officer at every gas station that’s open, and are committed to doing that to any gas station that is not open but will open, to make sure that there’s security and that people don’t get pushy in the line and that sort of thing,” he said. “But hopefully this will help. The real answer, all the experts believe, is just with time.” Read More

By Colin Campbell 11/08/12 3:41pm

Gas Shortage

New Yorkers wait for gas in Lower Manhattan. (Photo: Getty)

New York to Ration Gasoline Based on License Plate Numbers

This afternoon, Mayor Michael Bloomberg announced New York’s post-storm fuel shortage is worse than initially expected and may last for weeks. Because of this, the mayor announced a new plan to ration gasoline–effective 6 a.m. tomorrow morning.

“Last week’s storm hit the fuel network hard–and knocked out critical infrastructure needed to distribute gasoline,” Mr. Bloomberg said in a statement. “Even as the region’s petroleum infrastructure slowly returns to normal, the gasoline supply remains a real problem for thousands of New York drivers. Earlier today, I signed an emergency order to alternate the days that drivers can purchase gas, which is the best way to cut down the lines and help customers buy gas faster.” Read More