Fears fueled by Isaac push some drivers to fill up on gas

CHAR — Some drivers in the Charlotte area are filling up on gas as Isaac heads toward the Gulf Coast.

Eyewitness News found people in a rush to fuel up at the Border Line Mini Mart on Tuesday morning.

The customers' fears are fueled by Isaac moving through the oil-rich Gulf Coast, and their memories of the pounding from Hurricane Katrina seven years ago.

“Gas prices spiked a dollar and half, two dollars after the storm,” said driver Ken Dover.

Dover said he rushed to get gas when he learned that offshore oil rigs were evacuated and refineries were shut down.

“I'm going to take advantage of it today before the storm is projected to hit  in case there is a spike in prices tomorrow,” he said.

Marty Jones said he stills remembers how rising gas prices after Katrina impacted his life.

“I had to cut back on my spending, like going to the movies, going out to eat,” Jones said.

The clerk at the store on Highway 321 near Clover said business has increased there in the past two days because of people worried about Isaac.

“Maybe 20 to 25 percent,” clerk Laurel Anthony said.

Drivers said they are squeezing out every penny of affordable gas they can get.

Wendy Carr from Gastonia hopes to make the tankful last.

“Hopefully a week,” she said.

She said the cheaper gas tax in South Carolina means she will save 30 cents a gallon.

WSOC