More gas stations experiencing outages across metro Phoenix
Apr 1, 2019, 8:44 AM | Updated: Apr 3, 2019, 1:13 pm
(Getty Images/Carlo Allegri)
(Getty Images/Carlo Allegri)
PHOENIX — More gas stations are experiencing outages at locations across metro Phoenix and one expert expects the shortage to continue for weeks.
Many Fry’s Food Stores and Circle K gas stations throughout the Valley were out of order as of Monday.
A spokesman for the Arizona Department of Agriculture told KTAR News that the fuel shortage issues are limited to “certain retailers.”
“Production and transportation of fuel into the Arizona marketplace is fully operational at this time,” Robert Smook said in an email.
“We have been aware through sources that certain retailers are currently experiencing fuel supply issues, however, this is not affecting all retailers.”
Michael Blasky with AAA Arizona said the outage, which was affecting the entire southwest U.S., could continue for the next couple of weeks.
“We’re at the point in the season where refineries are switching between producing a winter and a summer blend of gasoline,” he told KTAR News on Tuesday.
“Gas stations are caught in this supply chain madness. … At the same time, the production slows down, causing a crink in the supply chain.”
Fry’s spokeswoman Pam Giannonatti said in a Monday statement to KTAR News 92.3 FM that the outage was due to the “market supply and distribution challenges” in Phoenix.
Giannonatti did not give the locations or number of locations that were experiencing outages or when they would be restored.
“We are working as quickly as possible to resolve these issues and apologize to our customers for any inconvenience,” she added.
Customers’ expired fuel points will be rolled over from March to April. Any February balances over 100 points will be added to customers’ April balance in 100-point increments.
There are 50 Fry’s fuel locations across Arizona.
Circle K locations have been experiencing outages since mid-March due to a “perfect storm” of unforeseen circumstances, including issues with pipeline, refinery supply source and ethanol distribution.
“The isolated issues which caused the shortage are being worked out and continue to improve,” Tim Tourek, Circle K’s vice president of operations in Arizona, said in a Tuesday statement.
The company did not specify which stores were affected or when they would be restored, but Tourek said they are anticipating “improvement over the next week or so.”
“We understand this has not been easy and want to once again thank all our customers for their patience,” he added.
KTAR News confirmed that these Fry’s locations were out of gas:
- 32nd Street and Bell Road
- 40th Street and Thunderbird Road
- 43rd Street and Bell Road
KTAR News confirmed that these Circle K locations were out of some or all types of gas:
- Central Avenue and Colter Street
- Seventh Street and Bethany Home Road
- 16th Street and Indian School Road
- 40th Street and Union Hills Drive
- Tatum Boulevard and Union Hills Drive
KTAR News 92.3 FM’s Taylor Kinnerup, Joe Huizenga, Ashley Flood and Griselda Zetino contributed to this report.
