Gasoline scarce in NJ, NY

Gasoline has become a much sought after commodity in the upper northeast U.S. after Sandy blew through the region earlier this week.

At station after station in New York, the signs say it all.

(SOUNDBITE) (English) TOURGAY KADIOGLU, MANAGER OF SHELL GAS STATION AT 96TH STREET AND 1ST AVE, SAYING:

"All our computers were under water so they are now out of order. We are waiting for service to repair them so we get online again."

And for those gas stations that are in business, residents wait in long lines... in cars, or on foot.

(SOUNDBITE) (English) RASHAD LEVIN, NEW YORKER, SAYING:

"Almost like Armageddon. Yeah, it's rough. It's a rough feeling right here. You know, you got a car, you almost can't get gas. Everybody's fighting for it. Some stations you go to there's cars parked there waiting for when the truck comes and they just fill up. It's rough."

It's not a lack of gasoline, officials say, but the widespread power outages that render the pumps inoperable.

Compounding the problem-- the waterway in New York Harbor where fuel is imported is still closed to traffic.

In New Jersey, residents are facing the same problem.

(SOUNDBITE) (English) LISETTE SCULL, NEW JERSEY RESIDENT, SAYING:

"No gas station is open."

Industry officials say more than half of the gas stations that service New York City and New Jersey are shut.