Gas resources and price affected by hurricane

Motorists and potential customers were turned away from gas pumps at Brookshire's Friday afternoon as the company braced for an anticipated gasoline shortage and reserved its fuel supply for employees only.

Sam Anderson, Brookshire's director of communication and consumer relations, said the store was unable to receive an expected delivery to refill the tanks.

"When tanks get to a certain level, we do stop sales to the public and reserve the last bit for our employees," Anderson said. "It is important that the store stay open to the public and that employees are able to get to work."

With Hurricane Ike brewing in the Gulf and evacuees seeking shelter inland Jackie Clayton, owner of four local gas stations has made sure his tanks are full and loads of fuel were ordered in advance to supply the increasing demands of consumers.

"Gas sales have increased at my stores by 25 percent this week," Clayton said. "That is not uncommon during hurricane season, when people are fleeing from the coast."

Local consumers have kept a watchful eye as gas prices — that were declining only days ago — have begun to creep upward. Many Kilgore stations had topped out at $3.79 — a 30-cent increase that occurred in a few short hours — at close of business. Clayton's fuel pumps remained locked at $3.69.

"I know I have fuel on the way," Clayton said. "I have more than one resource I can call upon."