MYFOXNY.COM -
Power problems have created gas shortages and long lines at the gas stations.
In New Jersey, gas rationing means drivers can only gas up every other day.
Extremely long gas lines are now the new norm in New York and New Jersey and in Secaucus; many motorists are attempting to fill up before they go back to work Monday.
For the first time in a few days they say they are able to get on line, and fill up in under an hour.
"Today not that bad, a half hour," said one patient motorist. "Other days, it takes three and a half hours."
There's pain at the pump -- and then there's this.
"It's the 1970's all over again -- twice!" added another motorist.
Gas Lines -- miles long and motorists are annoyed and wondering -- what gives?
"Eveybody frustrated and I can understand. We aren't prepared for this," said one gas station owner.
Ebbie Ashabi owns the "On the Run" Exxon on Route 17 North in Ramsey, NJ. The last few days have been as tough on his customers as it has been on him.
"I'm in the gas biz and I'm more than happy to sell gas, but I need to fuel to dispense it.
In the last two days, Ashabi has received two pieces of good news. The governor has implemented a gas rationing system, that appears to be easing wait times -- and tensions.
"Odd and even works because it cuts line in half," said Ashabi. "It's the best way to do it. Lines down the highway are really bad."
And Governor Christie has signed an Executive Order allowing stations to look outside of their brand supplier for gas. So Exxon mobile shops can buy from Sunoco suppliers and vice versa.
"As the power comes back on, gas will become more available and gas lines should get shorter," said Governor Christie. "There is no shortage of fuel and fuel delivery was interrupted and we had to rebuild it from scratch the last few days."
An arduous task and one the federal government is also attempting to help with. They have set up a toll-free hotline to get fuel and generators to gas stations and communities in need.
The hotline number for the US Energy Department is 1-866-402-3775.
