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Word spread quickly Monday afternoon about the possibility of significant gas price increases following the terrorist attacks in New York and at the Pentagon. As this concern grew, lines started backing up at local stations, creating traffic problems. There were seven documented reports of police assistance required to control traffic as it overflowed onto public thoroughfares. There was one report of fighting over gas.
There were no immediate price increases and no documented cases of possible price gouging in the Warsaw area. By late Tuesday afternoon, prices in Warsaw had not yet been raised, but there were reports of price increases in Syracuse and limitations on gallons allowed per person in North Webster.
The local picture this morning shows prices in most of the Warsaw area market ranging between $1.88 and $1.91, with Silver Lake at $1.99.
According to Tony Silveus, vice president of the Indiana Dealer Division for Lassus Brothers Oil, more price increases are not expected in the immediate future. In fact, prices are expected to drop somewhat in the next few days, but probably not to the level in effect prior to the attack. After this initial leveling-out, prices are expected to remain consistent until more is known about the group(s) responsible for the attacks and a course of action is determined, or if there would be any more attacks or other major tragedies, Silveus said.
Another area of concern is the available gas supply. This morning it was reported that as many as 25 percent of area stations were out of gas. Silveus said that, in many cases, gas distribution would be allocated based upon August distribution levels for each station to help control and maintain gas availability. Some stations also may open later and/or close earlier to maintain their supply.
Reports of price increases above the norm and possible price gouging are being closely monitored. Most of the documented instances being investigated are in major gas markets, such as Fort Wayne, Indianapolis and Chicago.
Mary Dieter, press secretary to Gov. Frank O'Bannon, said the governor wants people, as well as the petroleum industry and gas station owners and operators, to avoid panic and come together. "The Department of Revenue has alerted retailers that if there is any evidence of price gouging going on, it can do audits," Dieter said.
Attorney General Steve Carter also appealed to gas station operators not to exploit the situation. "I have the authority and will critically review any and all complaints of improper, and quite frankly, unbelievable behavior by anyone taking advantage of this terrible situation for economic gain by collusion or price fixing," Carter said in the statement.
