Gasoline Shortages Hit AAFES

The closure of refineries and offshore oil platforms as well as failures of oil pipelines in the southeast United States, have impacted fuel availability at Army and Air Force Exchange Service gas stations. Citing destruction caused by Hurricane Katrina, many AAFES suppliers have given notification of “out of gas” situations at terminals nationwide. These have caused sporadic gas shortages at AAFES stations in the southern and eastern parts of the United States. AAFES officials stress that the shortage should not be viewed as just a limited regional issue. According to oil industry officials, it is a national matter involving at least 40 states where product shortages may soon arise. Thus, AAFES facilities have been advised to order only those gallons actually needed. AAFES will not have an estimate for when reliable gasoline supplies will be available until the industry damage in Florida, Louisiana and Mississippi can be assessed, officials said.