With much of Acadiana seeing a similar gas shortage situation, tensions seem high for those seeking to refuel.
Law enforcement in one parish says long lines are causing crashes and disturbances between customers.
The St. Mary Parish Sheriff's Office says that a patrol commander reported crashes at and around gas stations on the East side of the parish. There have also been reports of disturbances between people in line for gas.
"Other area agencies are reporting that they have had the same situations in their areas as well," they say.
Sheriff Blaise Smith is asking the public to exercise extreme caution and slow down when driving where there are lines of cars at gas stations.
"We have several close calls that have been captured on our dash cameras. Please use caution in these congested areas and slow down to prevent crashes."
Sheriff Smith said that the frustration with the post-hurricane situations is understandable, but we should try to be patient with others during this time.
In Jefferson Parish, deputies there are investigating a homicide after a man as killed at a gas station on Clearview Parkway in Metairie.
"It is unbelievable that people can't act like adults in these situations. That someone has to lose their life over 'freakin' gas today," sheriff Lopinto said.
Long lines are being seen at a number of gas stations in Jefferson Parish. Sheriff Lopinto says that incidents at gas stations have been happening all day.
See the presser below:
Many gas station pumps in Acadiana are bagged indicating that gas is not available.
That hasn't stopped people from searching, sometimes driving to five or six gas stations and across several cities before finding one that's in service.
Gas seekers have taken to Facebook and other social media sites to let others know where gas is available and where it's not. When it is, it's not uncommon for long lines to form with people waiting to hopefully fill up their tanks.
A useful resource for many has been the Gas Buddy app, which shows the stations nearby that have gas available for purchase. Users have reported, however, that the app is not always accurate due to the rate at which gas becomes available and is quickly used up by waiting motorists.
On Friday, President Joe Biden was in Louisiana surveying damage and meeting with Ida survivors. He spoke about the gas shortage mentioning that the federal government will increase the supply of gasoline that is allowed to be sold in Louisiana. Truckers will be able to drive longer hours to get that fuel delivered.
A time-frame on when the shortage will subside however is still unknown.
"There is much to be done," President Biden said.
See his remarks below:
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