SAN ANTONIO – Long lines at local gas stations have led to busy phone lines for the San Antonio Police Department.
Officer Douglas Greene, an SAPD public information officer, said no exact figures are available, but the number of calls for gas-related problems appears to have increased within the last week.
"The majority of the calls that we got were complaints for all the traffic that was building up around our local gas stations," he said.
The extra traffic is due to drivers rushing to fill up before they or the gas stations run out of fuel.
In the wake of Hurricane Harvey, people panicked that the resulting damage along the Texas coast could lead to a gasoline shortage.
But city and state officials have said there is no shortage and no need for drivers to be fearful.
"People who are in traffic, their patience tends to run a little thin," Greene said. "So we did have a few disturbances, some people getting into arguments."
While the incidents may require the assistance of a police officer, Greene said not everything rises to the level of needing police intervention.
"If somebody cuts you off, obviously we understand it's upsetting to you, but that is not a reason to call us," he said.
The high demand for gas has made it seem a bit like liquid gold. Greene said police are starting to see thieves go after it.
"We did receive a call for an individual who had his gas tank punctured and his gas was missing," Greene said.
To protect it, police suggest you secure your car by parking in a garage, if possible, or in a well-lit area.
If there is a surveillance camera in the area, it's best to park where your car can be seen by it.
