TAMPA – Port Tampa Bay officials confirmed that tankers began picking up and delivering fuel to area gas stations Friday afternoon after Hurricane Milton caused power problems at the port’s private gas stations.

“As of this afternoon, just moments ago, we were able to move fuel from our facilities and our private terminals into trucks to get to the gas stations,” Port Tampa Bay spokesperson Lisa Wolf-Chason said.

The port said its gas station partners always have fuel ready for delivery. However, the delivery of this fuel to gas stations was delayed because the port’s private fuel terminals were without power.

READ: Despite rumors on social media, there is no imminent tropical threat to Florida, according to Milton

Wolf-Chason told FOX 13 that the port expects fuel tankers to arrive and depart uninterrupted through Saturday.

“Our gas station operators can supply the community with fuel for days. We also assume that fuel ships will be able to arrive in our port as early as tomorrow,” said Wolf-Chason. “This also helps with the region’s fuel supply.”

According to Port Tampa Bay, it supplies about 45% of the state’s fuel. Meanwhile, residents in the Tampa Bay area waited in long lines at gas stations where fuel was still available Friday morning.

Some told FOX 13 they waited an hour or two to get gas at Costco in Brandon.

“It’s crazy!” Riverview resident Shannon Curtis said as he looked at the Costco line. “Everyone is desperate because they can’t find it. And if a gas station has it, they don’t have power.”

The Pasco Sheriff’s Office asked residents for patience Friday after receiving multiple calls about disputes and altercations at gas stations on Friday.

Sarasota police told residents there would be delays due to heavy traffic at the Wawa on Fruitville near downtown.

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