Gas pump price spike seen temporary

Gas pump prices continue to rise.  At some Oconee gas stops the pump price early this morning read $2.49 a gallon for regular.  The shutdown of refineries and pipelines combined with tightened access to supply, along with the anticipated holiday weekend demand, means drivers may have yet to see the full impact.  AAA Carolinas predicts a short-term price spike.  The motor club does not expect refineries to be offline for months.  DOE released 500,000 barrel of oil from the reserve of crude, and more could be released if needed.  The Colonial Pipeline which delivers to South Carolina and the East Coast has temporarily suspended its pipeline.  But that suspension, according to AAA’s Tiffany Wright, does not mean shortages.  She says, “Gasoline inventories are at historically high levels and there is an abundant supply of fuel across the United States to meet demands at this time.”  Northeast refineries are sending supplies to the Carolinas to help lessen the lack of supply from Gulf Coast refineries and pipelines shut down due to Harvey.