Stop the panic-buying, Victoria — fuel is on the way.
Majority of gas stations around Greater Victoria are without fuel Thursday morning after motorists lined the streets for hours to gas up amid concerns of supply shortages.
Some people went as far as filling up multiple jerry cans in fear of a fuel shortage, however, at no point was there a concern from industry experts.
Supply is being affected by the single-lane and overnight closures on the Malahat highway following the BC storm.
According to Peninsula Co-op, supply will return to normal in several days.
In the meantime, experts are urging people not to panic-buy gas.
“Everything you get, particularly your day-to-day consumables, you’re still going to get them,” David Earl, president of the BC Trucking Association told CTV.
To ensure all stations are quickly restocked, the City of Langford issued a statement confirming a gasoline truck convoy consisting of 15 vehicles has been organized to travel south to Greater Victoria at 9 a.m. today to replenish gasoline supplies.
According to reports, the trucks are currently mustered in the Bamberton area south of Mill Bay and will receive an escort through the Malahat area.
The highway is closed for repairs from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. through Monday and limited to single-lane alternating traffic during the day so damage from heavy rain and flooding can be repaired.
In response to supply chain shortages, BC Ferries is running a round-trip ferry from Swartz Bay and Duke Point to support the movement of essential goods and travellers.
The route will depart Swartz Bay at 12:30 p.m. and then Duke Point at 4:30 p.m. today, Thursday, November 18th.
During a press conference Wednesday, Premier John Horgan urged people not to hoard items.
“What you need, your neighbours need as well. We’re confident we can restore our supply chains in a quick and orderly manner,” said Horgan.
Also during the press conference, BC officially declared a state of emergency which will last for at least two weeks.
