Residents of Mobile and Baldwin counties are already lining up at pumps as Hurricane Isaias, a Category 3 storm, moves toward an overnight landfall on the Alabama coast. Mobile gas stations reported a 2‑cent increase overnight, bringing the average price to $3.96 per gallon—about 6 cents higher than a week ago. Baldwin County saw a similar uptick.
Statewide and National Context
Across Alabama, the statewide average sits at $3.98 per gallon, with Tuscaloosa County averaging $4.00. The highest price recorded in the state is $4.33 in Perry County. In the West Alabama region, prices range from $3.93 in Bibb and Walker counties to $4.21 in Greene County.
Nationwide, the American Automobile Association (AAA) notes that gas prices remain the highest they have been for this time of year, averaging $4.37 per gallon. The organization reports no direct impact from Isaias on the national average at this time.
Potential Risks to the Fuel Supply
While the storm has largely missed the Gulf Coast’s major oil hubs, experts caution that any significant damage to offshore platforms or coastal refineries could push prices higher. Isaias has already prompted precautionary shutdowns on offshore platforms that supply roughly 15% of U.S. crude oil, representing a loss of about 63% of Gulf output.
Refineries in Mobile, Alabama, and along the Mississippi coast face flooding risks that could temporarily halt operations. Should these facilities be forced offline, the Deep South could feel the impact, especially as diesel prices are already elevated due to ongoing Middle East tensions.
Industry Outlook
Patrick DeHann of GasBuddy expects the price increase to be short‑lived. “I would expect that the shut‑in oil production will probably return pretty quickly within just a couple of days,” he said in a company press release.
Jobbers in Alabama are monitoring the situation closely. Much of the state’s fuel supply travels inland from Gulf Coast refineries via pipeline, so any prolonged shutdown would likely affect West Alabama a few days after the storm passes.
What Residents Can Do
Consumers are advised to fill up while supplies remain stable and to stay informed about local traffic conditions, as long lines are already forming at many stations. Local authorities continue to monitor the storm’s progress and will issue updates on any road closures or evacuation orders.
Despite the temporary inconvenience, officials and industry analysts agree that the spike should subside once the storm moves inland and refineries resume normal operations.
Original reporting: The Tuscaloosa Thread — read the source article.
