Some local convenience stores are experiencing limited supplies of certain fuels, but most say a shortage is not anticipated.

Sam Perkins, owner of Friendly’s Convenience in Patrick Springs, said his store is among those locally to experience shortages, mainly in regular unleaded fuel.

“We may not have regular unleaded at all times, but mid-grade and premium grade is almost always in stock, as well as diesel fuel,” Perkins said.

He said some refineries and other facilities closed in the wake of Hurricane Harvey. Five different agencies, including the Coast Guard, must approve them reopening due to safety concerns, Perkins said.

“We have a lot of refineries that draw from pipelines that come up to region,” Perkins said, and noted the biggest effect may be the way fuel is delivered. For instance, trucks may have to travel longer, less direct routes.

Regardless, Perkins said he does not think the shortage will be long term.

“I imagine within the next week, it’ll go away.  It’s important for people remain vigilant through it, and be patient,” Perkins said. “There are people in Texas who have it a lot worse than we do.”

Amanda Cole, cashier at Lee’s Kar-Go in Claudville, said “the only reason I have gas now is the boss got some at one of the other stores and brought part of that here.”

She said she thinks some customers are concerned, but wants them to know “we’ll get it as we can get it.”

M & M’s in the Critz/Patrick Springs area is not experiencing any shortages, according to Corie Byrd, who operates the deli.

“I assume we’re okay. I haven’t heard otherwise,” she said.

David Roberts, owner of Robert’s Lighthouse Grille, near the Fairystone area, said his supplier is “keeping me well stocked. We don’t have any problems” nor has he heard of any that may affect his supplier.

The same is true at W& W Produce in Stuart, according to Becky McVicker.

“We are good at this point,” McVicker said. “We’re not anticipating any problems at this point.”

Sam Patel, owner of Orchard View in Woolwine, said “we haven’t had any trouble with shortages or anything yet. Everyone seems scared” there may be a shortage in the future, “but we haven’t had any problem.”

Additionally, Patel said “we are not that concerned” because she thinks any shortage will be short-lived.

Felecia Shelor, owner of Poor Farmer’s Market in Meadows of Dan, said her supplier informed her “we have 100 percent allocation. That means if the public buys normally, we will have all the fuel we need.”

Shelor said she was told problems arise when people fear they may not be able to get fuel and panic.

“If consumers purchase more fuel than they normally would because of fear of a fuel shortage,” it could prompt a shortage, she said.

Debbie Kendrick, at On the Run in Stuart, said the store also is not experiencing any shortages.

“Everything seems to be doing okay here,” she said.