FE Power Forums
FE Power Forums => Non-FE Discussion Forum => Topic started by: Cyclone03 on May 12, 2021, 09:46:07 AM
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I’m hoping to get some real world info on gas availability for our big retirement move THIS WEEKEND.
So far there has been little to no negative effects on gas availability here in San Antonio,except for a price kick.
We are driving from San Antonio-Amarillo-Routan NM- Pueblo CO.
Anybody have knowledge of how gas availability is holding up along that way?
Thanks in advance.
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I live off I-20, west of Abilene. Have not seen anything but the usual drifting prices. Prices have been between 2.68 and 2.95 and that was Monday before the pipeline thing. Most are in the 2.80s right now. No panic here, no lines at any stations.
The Google Maps route has you coming through Sweetwater, Synder, Lubbock etc - I think you'll be fine. I have to get fuel tonight in the truck, will update later if I need to. I usually get it at the grocery store here, they are typically cheaper or as cheap as others. Usually less than the truck stops. If you find issues - I doubt - you could switch your route a little past Wingate onto 277N towards Abilene, take 707 north just before Caps, go past Dyess AFB to Tye where there is both a Flying J and DK truck stops. Tye also has a Western Marketing fuel storage depot.
Sweetwater has a Walmart Supercenter on the north side of I-20, east of Hyw 70 with pumps. Cross under the freeway on Lamar (70) to Jenny George and turn right, will take you to the Walmart. There's a Alon and a Chevron at the freeway, but they are small stations and usually crowded. West of Sweetwater is a Loves on the north side and a Alon truck stop on the south. There is Pilot and Alon on your side of 84 at Synder - exit is 180 Lamesa/Roby. Route has you go north at Slayton, could go into Lubbock stay on 84, there is a travel center just before the 289 loop. Then go east on the loop around and either go 62 east to Idalou get back on 400, or go on around a little more and catch 27 north to Plainview then Amarillo.
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Yes sir,that’s the route. We have driven it many times in the last 3 years.
That is the first hand info I was hoping for.
It’s not like the big freeze, where stations had gas but couldn’t sell it because the power kept going out as the stations re-booted the register’s.
Thank You
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Have safe travels and congratulations on your retirement! And the move. Considering similar in a few years, maybe NM.
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If you don’t mind, can I pile on and ask availability in Tennessee? Was supposed to head to F100 Nats in Pigeon Forge, coming from Richmond. Many stations are empty locally
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No firm reports on TN, but news is out there that North Carolina is having shortages. I am sure it is going to spread.
I still have a hard time grasping a pipeline supply THAT MUCH fuel. Just seems like a lot for a pipeline given how much fuel is consumed daily, across that much geography.
Add to it, prices going up, should not happen unless in an area that is short (based on shortages and supply and demand).
The other kicker is shortage of fuel delivery drivers.....why did that not happen a year ago, mid pandemic?
Lotta stuff just seems off but it is what it is.
Note: unless fixed the I-40 bridge from AR to TN is closed.....if no one has heard.
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From CNN
"The supply crunch appears to be much worse in some major metro areas. Here's a look at some of the hardest-hit cities, according to GasBuddy, an app that tracks fuel demand, prices and outages.
Nearly three-quarters — 73% — of gas stations in Pensacola, Florida, are impacted.
About 72% of gas stations are reporting outages in Raleigh, North Carolina.
Outages are impacting 71% of the stations in metro Charlotte, North Carolina.
Nearly 60% of stations are impacted in Atlanta."
https://tracker.gasbuddy.com/?_ga=2.22777651.908507618.1620844899-790990275.1620844899&q=pigeon%20forge
Attached is some of the stupidity. I can't find the pic from yesterday that showed someone filling plastic bags with fuel.
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Might be time to disconnect critical systems from the internet.
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Thanks, China.
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Might be time to disconnect critical systems from the internet.
LOL no $&!#
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I couldn't go where I wanted to. It would constitute a political discussion which is sure to be terse in nature. What I do know is fuel has jumped almost a dollar here since 20 Jan.
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So you’re saying diesel doesn’t actually cost $4.00 a gallon? What’s lumber in the rest of the country? In western Washington a 4x4 fence post is $20. A sheet of 5/8 cdx is $65. 7/16 osb is $50. Stud length 2x6 about $12.
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Inflation? Increased costs of housing materials and energy? No problem, just sit at home and wait for "the government" to send you a check--problem solved. It reminds me of the image of a snake eating itself (ouroboros), but with a far different meaning than the mythical symbol.
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>So you’re saying diesel doesn’t actually cost $4.00 a gallon?
It's under $3 here retail
Gas was 2.87 last night and this morning. Stopped last night to fill up, 8 pumps, just me. Filled the truck and got 10 gallons of mower gas. Would have got more but I forgot the plastic bags. The Flying J was 2.87 this AM, the DK 2.85. No lines or any hint of problems.
Might be time to disconnect critical systems from the internet.
I've been "here" 23 years and before "here" I was in mfg for 20. We sold/built/customized digital instrumentation to power/oil/food/misc process. Usually interfaced with the on site SCADA systems. Power included gas, coal and nuclear. We were talking/warning/meeting about these issues 30 years ago, before there even was an internet.
Don't take this too wrong, but you know people that are perfectly happy with their flip phone and maybe own a computer running way out of date software but have to asked their grand kid how to install something - those were and in many cases still are the same people in charge of and running these systems. It's not just digitial issues, there are a multitude of human factors at play also. You have to train the people, force compliance with procedures and spend the money - lots of money.
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>So you’re saying diesel doesn’t actually cost $4.00 a gallon?
It's under $3 here retail
Gas was 2.87 last night and this morning. Stopped last night to fill up, 8 pumps, just me. Filled the truck and got 10 gallons of mower gas. Would have got more but I forgot the plastic bags. The Flying J was 2.87 this AM, the DK 2.85. No lines or any hint of problems.
Might be time to disconnect critical systems from the internet.
I've been "here" 23 years and before "here" I was in mfg for 20. We sold/built/customized digital instrumentation to power/oil/food/misc process. Usually interfaced with the on site SCADA systems. Power included gas, coal and nuclear. We were talking/warning/meeting about these issues 30 years ago, before there even was an internet.
Don't take this too wrong, but you know people that are perfectly happy with their flip phone and maybe own a computer running way out of date software but have to asked their grand kid how to install something - those were and in many cases still are the same people in charge of and running these systems. It's not just digitial issues, there are a multitude of human factors at play also. You have to train the people, force compliance with procedures and spend the money - lots of money.
I feel like we’re talking about two separate issues. Training employees and keeping software updated is one issue. The issue here is the bad guys hacked in and shut stuff down via internet access. I’m suggesting we separate critical systems from the internet. This pipeline is only 45% of fuel for a few states...could be worse. Large parts of the nation held hostage by an invisible enemy should not be possible.
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Welcome back to 1973!!!
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I’m suggesting we separate critical systems from the internet. This pipeline is only 45% of fuel for a few states...could be worse. Large parts of the nation held hostage by an invisible enemy should not be possible.
Never happen. Everything is based on, and run by, software these days. To operate, these systems have to communicate with each other, and the internet is the only way. Where I work, the campus' entire HVAC system has been converted over to computer run software. While it has its advantages, there are also some major drawbacks....and risks, as can be seen currently with whats happening.
As R.E.M. said, it's the end of the world as we know it. :)
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Here’s one from left field. I bought a set of led cafe lights to hang on a covered balcony. They are color changing. But you have to download an app, link via Bluetooth or WiFi with your phone, to make them change colors. So so have an $85 string of lights that I can’t make plain white, because their app is functioning. It’s making it difficult for me to not be biased about the old stuff being better.
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I’m suggesting we separate critical systems from the internet. This pipeline is only 45% of fuel for a few states...could be worse. Large parts of the nation held hostage by an invisible enemy should not be possible.
Never happen. Everything is based on, and run by, software these days. To operate, these systems have to communicate with each other, and the internet is the only way. Where I work, the campus' entire HVAC system has been converted over to computer run software. While it has its advantages, there are also some major drawbacks....and risks, as can be seen currently with whats happening.
As R.E.M. said, it's the end of the world as we know it. :)
I’m afraid you might be right. Lot of things would work just fine without the interconnected software but we’re hooked...like the Bluetooth connected light bulbs. Reminds me of the episode of Home Improvement where Tim the toolman mounts a gas engine on a screwdriver. Sometimes these “updates” are silly and as we’ve seen with the pipeline hack, make us vulnerable.
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A big reason all these companies build "apps" into their products is so they can data mine your activities and market the data. I enjoy many of the benefits of tech, but learned long ago to be vigilant with regards to privacy and personal data. Many people are quite oblivious to these issues when utilizing products/tech. Ford "allows" you to download an app for remote start and for vehicle location and maintenance updates, but of course this gives them wide access to your vehicle's data (connected to 4g networks). Of course you must subscribe and pay data rates to a cell provider as well. The data sharing is on when you purchase, but can be turned off (but how do I know it is off?). I'm considering disconnecting the "shark fin" antenna on my Transit.
All this tech interwoven into critical infrastructure (and not so critical) is also about profit margins--eliminate the workers at a switch with a phone and replace them with tech connectivity. Yes, things can be more efficient, but there are many downfalls to this as well. We will see more of this in the future, and there may be far more harmful results--fuel shortages are child's play compared to what may be possible.
But hey, if it's new it's got to be better, right?
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There is much to say that is simply fact. I didn't delve deep into it just for those reasons. I'm actually surprised some of these forums aren't attacked. Our hobby is under attack, as is our way of life. The truth is ignorance and the silencing of discussion only further compounds the issue. It makes it hard for us to unite to counter it.
It can be done with civility.
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It can be done with civility.
Lololol...have you seen how the "internet" works? Guys get into pissing matches over much more trivial matters.
No, it can't be done in a civil manner. Don't take this as me disagreeing with statements made, it's not about that. I'm just suggesting we stow the conversation because it's going to make Jay's life more difficult.
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Diogenes has it correct. Profit. It is absolutely absurd to have infrastructure attached to the WWW. Same as with your car. It is not a question of "IF" there will be an attack it is "WHEN". This is really systems design 101. Data that is needed yes, but control never! This is why. The pipeline instance is also blown a bit out of proportion too. Post Pandemic scare hype. Other price changes has more to do with lack of labor. There is a supply shortage on lumber, plastics, etc. due to much of the workforce not being involved and only a few players producing. Saw Mills...look into it.
All of it 100% predictable....you can't shutter economies and expect no ill effects.
We are migrating to an ERP software system here at work....what a joke. Our old system is a tank but you have to know how to run SQL to get data out and most can't, or won't learn. The new system I certainly hope is more capable then what we see installing it. You ask questions pertaining to certain daily processes/accounting and you get a completely dumbfounded look. Unless their implementation team is just oblivious, this stuff ignores large portions of reconciliation at the core processes. Web based etc.... I guess I am old school in that you have to approach things logically and with common sense. It has to work day in and day out. Being hacked and unable to produce is unacceptable. You would not accept it at home, so why at your job? If leaders feel it is, then they need to be upgraded. Just my .02 worth about .01.
On a side note, let them put gas in the plastic bags. At some point we just have to let the laws of nature take their course.
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Again, we have to get into politics ::) ::) Come on guys, I've now had to delete one member for this, NO POLITICS on this forum please...