Waiting for Gas in Northport

Russ Hentze sat patiently in his truck Monday morning as the line inched up Fort Salonga Road in Northport. The East Northport resident was taking part in an all-too-familiar ritual for Long Islanders in the seven days since Sandy struck.

Hentze was waiting for gas.

The eight-pump Hess station across from Stop & Shop always did brisk business. But with fuel shortages and several rival gas stations without power, Hess is the only game in town.

People line up in cars for the extended wait simply in hopes the gas supply will last long enough for them to fuel up. 

“I’m feeling pretty confident,” Hentze, 56, said as he idled three cars away from the station. He’d waited 1:12 to that point.

A Hess employee said the station received a shipment at 6:30 p.m. Sunday and would probably be forced to shut down around noon. No word on the next shipment. Check back with this story for an update or use Hess' gas tracker. Another web resource is Gas Buddy.

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Gov. Andrew Cuomo warned the gas shortage won't ease up until later in the week.

The Northport station, which has four 10,000-gallon tanks, has only received regular unleaded. It’s also limiting customers to purchases totaling $40. 

Another customer, Darline Turpel, 32, of Kings Park, was able to fill two gas cans. She was bringing the fuel home to fill other vehicles.

And her smile as each can was filled was priceless.

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