Here Comes Rita

With highway, I-45 backed up to Dallas from Houston, hurricane Rita approaches the Gulf coast.

Lines for gasoline began today Thursday and by lunch time, there were already lines 8 to 10 cars deep.  News of "no gas" from Houston to Dallas began to hit the airwaves and everyone seemed to go fill up their car.

I went around 845p last night to fill up my Xterra, and the lines were 10 cars deep for $2.79 Unleaded.

I took a picture of the handwritten sign on the gas tank at my neighborhood 7/11.

Sorry, we are not accepting debit functions today for gas, or merchandise.  Just credit functions.  Thank you.

Hmm...too many issues with debit cards?  Why this distinction?

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tags:  gas prices | hurricane rita

Comments

[Susan]

Well, of course I can't be sure; but from what I understand, when you use your debit card to pay for gas, it puts a "hold" on a certain amount of money in your checking account (that's how they know you have enough in your account to pump gas)... not sure if this has something to do with it or not, but it was a thought...

[K. Todd Storch]

You may be right, but I wonder if it is due to the "hold" or the extra time it takes with debit cards...when you mess up your PIN, etc.

When you incorrectly input your PIN, you usually have to go into the store to pay. This would just slow things down.

However, I really do doubt it was an operations decision and more of a financial one. With the credit card, there is no issue of non-payment.

Thanks for the comment!

Todd