WASHINGTON, Sept. 3 (UPI) -- Rumors of fuel shortages caused panic among some motorists as the nation moved into the usually travel-happy Labor Day weekend.
Washington area motorists swarmed gas stations after hearing false reports of impending shutdowns throughout Maryland and Virginia. Similar scenes,in varying degrees, played out elsewhere.
AAA and even gasoline companies asked travelers to stay home this weekend unless they absolutely had to be on the road and urged them to cut short their trips, The Washington Post said Saturday.
Virginia Gov. Mark R. Warner announced that flows of gasoline to the region had significantly improved through pipelines disrupted by Hurricane Katrina.
He also declared a state of emergency Friday to activate the state's anti-gouging law after a gas station in Centreville was cited for charging $5.80.
Georgia Gov. Sonny Perdue announced he would temporarily eliminate the state's gas taxes through the end of the month, bringing relief of about 15 cents per gallon to residents.
