8 million gallons of gas delivered to New York, Cuomo urges drivers to hang on | Chappaqua NY Realtor

New Yorkers running out of gasoline and patience were urged by Gov. Cuomo to hang on just a little bit longer.

The reopening of New York Harbor after Hurricane Sandy already allowed the delivery of 8 million gallons of gas — with another 28 million due in the next few days, the governor said Saturday.

“You will see quickly a real abatement on that pressure on the fuel system,” said Cuomo as lines outside local gas stations stretched endlessly Saturday.

 

EARLIER: GAS SHORTAGE UPDATE — DEFENSE DEPT. SAYS MILLIONS OF GALLONS ARE ON THE WAY

FOLLOW LIVE COVERAGE OF SANDY’S AFTERMATH

Some New Yorkers headed north to Connecticut in search of shorter lines and flowing fuel. Those who stayed closer to home were left to fume — or run on fumes — as while awaiting the big delivery.

PHOTOS: HURRICANE SANDY’S PATH OF DESTRUCTION

“I’m going to run out of gas and I’m freaking out,” said Tomas Steltz, 38, as he pulled up to a Sunoco in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn — and was greeted by a “No Gas” sign.

“I’ve been driving around all morning,” griped Steltz, who fears he’ll be unable to reach his job as an Astoria restaurant manager. “I heard that there was gas around but I can’t find it.”
Most stations were still closed throughout Brooklyn, although there were reports of sporadic pumping at random stations.

“This was truly a crisis,” Cuomo said at his morning briefing. “This is one of the worst storms that has hit this metropolitan area in generations.

“So it really is a situation that requires patience and it requires the strength and resilience that New Yorkers are famous for.”

Additionally, the Department of Defense will be setting up five mobile gas stations in the city and Long Island that will give motorists up to 10 gallons of free gas.

“Fuel is on its way,” Cuomo said. “You don’t have to panic. We don’t need anxiety. We don’t need the lines. Be prudent, but fuel is one the way.”

Sen. Charles Schumer, who spoke at the briefing, added that the DOD was also trucking in 12 million gallons of fuel and transporting generators to help re-open service stations shut down by the storm.

“This was a body blow to New York,” said Schumer, who praised Cuomo and state officials for their efforts in dealing with the storm. “The worst natural disaster that New York has experienced.”

lmcshane@nydailynews.com

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