Recently Governor Andrew Cuomo was complaining about the panic buying of gasoline in the areas hurt by Sandy. Right now, the only way drivers in Long Island can get gas is to find a station that has it, wait in line for hours, and hope they don't run out before you get to the front of the line. This pattern is set in place, and the only hope to break it is significant government action. We propose several steps to help accomplish this.
On November 5, Governor Andrew Cuomo appeared in a press conference, venting his frustration at the state of recovery from Hurricane Sandy. Days earlier, he had confidently predicted that the long lines for gas would disappear as trucks were rolling in to the affected areas. The reality is that panic buying continues to rule the day. He showed particular scorn for people who were hoarding gas - i.e., tying up the lines to add more gas to cars that were already three fourths full. Sadly, the people doing this are not going to stop because the governor lectures them. In my opinion, only strong and decisive government action will stop this mess.
We suggest the following:
Follow New Jersey's lead and make gas available on an odd or even basis based on license plate number.
Make all gas purchases $30 minimum. In other words, if somebody ties up the line buying 8 dollars worth of gas, they will be charged 30. Alternately, get the police to check cars and throw anyone with 3/4s of a tank out of the line.
To that end, we have created an online petition at:
Cuomo Petition