Photo by Nate Gayle--Worries of rising fuel costs related to hurricane Ike has prompted local motorists to flock to area stations and fill their tanks.

Many area pumps have run out of regular unleaded gasoline, while others are charging well over $4 a gallon.

Mike DuPree, general manager of DuPree Oil, said he is having trouble finding regular unleaded at a reasonable price.

“The only regular I can get today is at $5.25 a gallon, and I don’t want it at that,” he said.

Mr. DuPree said his Citgo supplier is completely out and won’t have any more until Sunday, and then he will be limited to 29,000 gallons, which he said is less than four truck-loads.

“I’ve got to spread that among 20 stores,” Mr. DuPree said. “I don’t know how I’m going to do that.”

An official at the Oil Price Information Service said refineries in Texas have shut down in preparation for Hurricane Ike, which is driving the price up.

Fred Roselle, OPIS retail pricing manager, said that many large oil companies are absorbing the price for their suppliers, yet many small or unbranded companies are unable to do that. They are either selling gas at higher prices or refusing to purchase more until the price comes down.

Once Hurricane Ike passes, gasoline prices should gradually return to normal, he said.

See tomorrow’s Chattanooga Times Free Press for complete coverage.