Photo by Christina Santucci
A sign blocks off one entrance to the Mobil gas station on 21st Street in Long Island City following Hurricane Sandy.
By Phil Corso
TimesLedger Newspapers
An emergency order enforcing an odd-even license plate system for gas and diesel purchases throughout the five boroughs has been extended through this Friday, Nov. 23, Mayor Michael Bloomberg said.
According to the mayor, the gas rationing method has helped reduce wait times and stabilize fuel supplies as gas stations since Hurricane Sandy crippled the city’s resources.
“The odd-even license plate system has worked well and helped to reduce wait times and lines at the pump,” Bloomberg said Sunday. “With 30 percent of gas stations still closed and a major travel week coming, I am extending the successful odd-even system on gas and diesel fuel purchases to ensure we do not risk going back to the extreme lines we saw prior to the system being implemented.”
Superstorm Sandy left behind significant flooding and damage to the city’s petroleum infrastructure, Bloomberg said, forcing terminals and distribution networks — including gas stations — to close.
The odd-even license plate system was put in effect Nov. 9 and requires vehicles with plates ending in an even number to make purchases on even-numbered days and odd-numbered plates to purchase on odd days.
Buses, commercial vehicles, emergency vehicles, taxis and cars with MD plates, however, are exempt.
Reach reporter Phil Corso by e-mail at [email protected] or by phone at 718-260-4573.
©2012 Community Newspaper Group
