Odd-even rationing for gas purchases in NYC

Odd-even gasoline rationing started in New York City Friday at 6 a.m.

Severe gas shortages have lingered since Superstorm Sandy.  The fuel shortage has brought hours-long wait times and lines at gas stations.

"This is not a step we take lightly. But given gas shortages and the growing frustrations of New Yorkers, we believe it's the right step," Mayor Michael Bloomberg said Thursday.

New Jersey has had a similar plan in effect for a week.

Under Bloomberg's emergency order, vehicles with license plates ending in an even number or the number "0" can make purchases of motor fuel on even numbered days.

Vehicles with license plates ending in an odd number can make purchases of motor fuel on odd numbered days.

Vehicles with licenses plates ending in a letter or other character can make purchases on odd numbered days.

Commercial vehicles, emergency vehicles, buses and paratransit vehicles, MD plates and vehicles licensed by the Taxi and Limousine Commission are exempt from the rules.

Bloomberg says police will be on duty at every gas station in the city to enforce the emergency rules.

The mayor asked New Yorkers to fuel up only when necessary and to use mass transit whenever possible.

Nassau and Suffolk Counties are putting similar rationing policies into place at 5 a.m. on Friday.

Governor Andrew Cuomo released a statement on the plan:

"Due to additional fuel supply disruptions caused by the Nor'Easter which hit the region last night, Nassau and Suffolk Counties and the City of New York have decided to implement temporary fuel management measures to reduce lines at retail gasoline stations. The plans are regionally synchronized and all will have the same rules. The plans will impose odd-even rules on the purchase of gasoline for non-commercial vehicles and have been designed in coordination. Westchester, Rockland, and Orange will not have fuel management measures at this time. The state will continue to coordinate among local governments, as well as the federal government, to ensure that the any fuel management measures are planned and implemented in conjunction with the Coast Guard, the U.S. Department of Energy and the petroleum industry."