New York City Gas Rationing To Continue Through Friday

The odd-even gas rationing system in New York City would be extended through Friday, Mayor Michael Bloomberg said Sunday.

The odd-even system launched to contain dramatic fuel shortage after Superstorm Sandy has helped in reducing queues for fuel while a third of the city's retail stations remain closed.

“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,” the mayor said, according to Reuters.

Rationing came into effect in New York City Nov. 9 after the superstorm stuck the U.S. east coast. While the system has ended in New Jersey and on Long Island, officials plan to reevaluate how long they could extend the system in New York City.

Power outages and inventories that got stacked up at refineries and terminals owing to heavy storm along the U.S. east coast seem to have compounded fuel shortage issues.

Even as gas rationing brought relief, it seems to have come at a cost. While some drivers complained that it was inconvenient, a few others found it to be a reminder of the toll exacted on their lives by Superstorm Sandy.