Gov. Timothy M. Kaine announced direct actions to ensure that adequate supplies of gasoline remain available in Virginia on Friday. There have been reports of price spikes and isolated, temporary shortages in Virginia and other states as a result of Hurricanes Gustav and Ike.

“We recognize that the storms in the Gulf of Mexico have affected gasoline supplies and prices, but we are asking Virginians not to overreact. We encourage them to refuel their vehicles according to their normal routine,” says Kaine. “We have taken steps to ensure that gasoline can be moved as quickly as possible into those areas affected.”

The Departments of Emergency Management, Transportation and Motor Vehicles have issued waivers to facilitate the uninterrupted transportation of gasoline from suppliers to retailers. In addition, the Department of Environmental Quality is requesting a waiver from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on the use of reformulated gas that is normally required to control summer ozone levels.

With these actions it is expected that there will be sufficient fuel to meet the public’s needs. The Department of Mines, Minerals and Energy will continue to closely monitor the situation to ensure that adequate supplies remain available.

While the wholesale cost of gasoline is expected to increase as a result of the hurricanes resulting in increases at the pump, anyone who believes they have been the victim of price gouging is encouraged to report such instances to the Virginia Office of Consumer Affairs at 1-800-552-9963 or 804-786-2476.

“While we should have adequate supplies in Virginia, we ask Virginians to do what they can to help people in the Gulf region by conserving fuel by not taking unnecessary trips or wasting gasoline,” says Kaine. “I also encourage Virginians to step forward to provide assistance through the Red Cross and other assistance organizations set up to help storm victims.”