Every gas station on the way home had lines of 5 to 6 cars despite Governor Ehrlich's and Dept of Energy spokesman statements that closing of Maryland gas stations early is a rumor and there is plenty of gasoline available. Topping off and hoarding have begun. This is familiar to anyone who was around for Dick Nixon and Jimmy Carter's Presidencies.
The sharp rise in prices will not be enough to forestall isolated gasoline shortages, gas lines and hoarding. Minimum purchase requirements, lowered speed limits, promoting telecommutering and expanding mass transit should have been implemented four days ago. No, the GOP can't do that because the free market cures all ills and isn't that too much like the 70's, all over again.