Gas Shortage in Tampa: Updates and Relief Efforts After Hurricane Milton

In the aftermath of Hurricane Milton, the Tampa area is facing a significant gas shortage, with many residents struggling to find operational gas stations. As of Friday afternoon, more than three-quarters of gas stations in Tampa and St. Petersburg were out of power, gas, or both, according to GasBuddy, a fuel price tracking website.

The reliability of GasBuddy’s updates has been questioned by locals, with some users on social media expressing frustration over the app’s lack of recent updates. Users have reported that GasBuddy’s data has not been accurate or up-to-date, leading to confusion and inconvenience for those searching for fuel.

However, there is some relief on the horizon. Fuel terminals at Port Tampa Bay have regained power, and safety tests are underway to ensure fuel can be distributed safely. Some fuel terminal operators have already begun supplying fuel trucks, which are delivering to local gas stations. The port aims to have all seven terminals fully functional by Saturday.

Despite these efforts, many residents are still experiencing long lines at gas stations. The situation highlights the critical role of Port Tampa Bay as an energy gateway, supplying nearly half of the state with fuel for vehicles and airplanes.