NYC mayor: Gas shortages could go on a few days

Last Updated 6:07 PM ET

NEW YORK Mayor Michael Bloomberg says that fully resolving the shortages at gas stations could take a few days.

Bloomberg spoke at a briefing Saturday.

Long lines of vehicles and pedestrians formed after Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced that the U.S. Department of Defense was opening the mobile fuel stations in New York City and on suburban Long Island.

The government then asked the public to stay away from the locations until emergency responders get their gas.

National Guard Col. Richard Goldenberg said Saturday afternoon that people who were already at the distribution sites would not be turned away.

Meanwhile, as New Jersey drivers reel from long lines and short tempers at gas stations, the state is moving to an odd-even gas rationing system in 12 counties starting today at noon.

Gov. Chris Christie ordered the system late Friday.

On Saturday morning, Cuomo announced plans to deploy temporary fuel trucks in parts of New York City and Long Island to help provide gasoline to emergency vehicles and the general public.

At a press briefing Cuomo said 8 million gallons of gas has been delivered in New York, and another 28 million gallons is on the way.

The 5,000-gallon trucks have been provided by the U.S. Department of Defense at the direction of President Barack Obama, and were being deployed in coordination with the New York National Guard, CBS Station WCBS reports.

The fuel trucks will be set up at the Queens Armory, the Bronx Armory, the Brooklyn Armory, the Staten Island/Elizabeth Armory, and the Freeport Armory on Long Island.

Cars can refuel directly off the truck, with a limit of 10 gallons per vehicle. The gasoline will be free.

Generators are also being delivered to gas stations that do not have power and are unable to operate.

• Sandy victims run low on fuel and patience
• After Sandy, U.S. to allow foreign ships to bring in fuel
• After Sandy, allegations of price gouging
• Gasoline situation increasingly dire in days after Sandy

Christie said the rationing plan will help ease fuel shortages and extended lines for gasoline that have occurred since Superstorm Sandy decimated the coast.

Motorists have been frustrated by a collision of gasoline shortages and stations without electric power, prompting hours-long waits to gas up.

Drivers with license plates ending in an even number will be allowed to buy gas on even-numbered days, and those with plates ending in an odd number can make gas purchases on odd-numbered days.

A Christie spokesman tells the Star-Ledger in Newark that there currently are no restrictions on filling gas containers.

The order affects Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Hunterdon, Middlesex, Morris, Monmouth, Passaic, Somerset, Sussex, Union and Warren counties.

To help victims of Sandy, donations to the American Red Cross can be made by visiting Red Cross disaster relief, or you can text REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation.