Industry-wide gasoline shortages hit some AAFES stations Published Sept. 1, 2005 DALLAS (AFPN) -- The closure of refineries and offshore oil platforms, as well as oil pipeline failures in the southeast United States, are impacting fuel availability at Army and Air Force Exchange Service gas stations. Citing the destruction left by Hurricane Katrina, many AAFES suppliers have given notification of “out of gas” situations at terminals nationwide. As a result, there have been sporadic gas shortages at AAFES stations in the southern and eastern parts of the United States. “Unfortunately, AAFES is not immune from the market forces affecting the industry,” said Lt. Col. Debra Pressley, AAFES chief of corporate communications. “AAFES is continuing to monitor the situation as it develops.”AAFES officials stress that the shortage should not be viewed as a limited regional issue. According to Oil Express, the industries’ information paper, the situation is a national matter involving at least 40 states where product shortages may soon arise. AAFES facilities have been advised to order only those gallons actually needed during this time of short supply. As is the case with the entire petroleum industry, AAFES does not have a get-well timeframe for reliable gasoline supplies until the industry damage in Florida, Louisiana and Mississippi can be assessed, officials said. AAFES operates 249 gas stations worldwide, including 177 locations in the continental United States.