The distributors that supply gasoline to the state are preparing for a last minute run as people top off the tank or buy extra gas to power generators for possible Y-2-K problems. Department of Natural Resources spokesman David Downing says they hope people won’t get too carried away.Downing says the normal nationwide consumption of oil for gas production is eight-million barrels, but this month consumption is well over nine-million as retailers stock up. Downing says refineries are taking steps to keep retailers from hoarding gas as they will shut down before January 1st and penalize retailers as much as 20 cents a gallon for gas ordered during the shut down. Downing says the pipelines are also shutting down as a safety precaution for any Y-2-K bugs that might be in the pipeline controls.Downing says the two major pipelines that supply gas to Iowa will shut down prior to January 1st and then open for business again in early January. He says gas prices have gone up as demand increases for travel this Christmas weekend.Downing says gas prices could spike up around New Year’s Day as people siphon off supplies. He says we could see a drop in price if New Year’s Eve passes uneventfully and retailers and consumers are full up with reserve gas.
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