A predicted gas shortage has begun to materialize across the Greater Toronto Area.
The dry pumps are a result of a scale-back of oil flowing through Trans-Northern's pipeline system. The National Energy Board (NEB) ordered a 10% flow reduction at the end of September in response to "pipeline releases and overpressure incidents" dating back to 2009.
Dan McTeague with GasBuddy.com says to this point the frustration has mostly been felt by gas stations, not drivers.
"We may see, at any given time, five or 10 stations across the GTA that are out," McTeague tells NEWSTALK 1010. But McTeague says drivers can easily fill up at a station down the road and the supply of gas is typically replenished within a few hours.
The problem is the supply issue may stretch into 2017.
McTeague explains it could be months before Trans-Northern can satisfy the NEB's requests in order to boost oil flow again.
And there's another wrinkle.
"A lot of gasoline does tend to come in to the Toronto region via ship and of course after a period of time, around December the 15th, the (St. Lawrence) Seaway is closed," McTeague says. "So that could be a looming concern."