TRENTON — Long lines remained the norm at many gas stations in central and northern New Jersey on Sunday, but motorists said their concerns over fuel were easing as more stations resumed operations across the state.
Most drivers also seemed to be coping with the gas-rationing system imposed by Gov. Chris Christie in 12 of the state’s 21 counties, though many questioned whether it was needed. And numerous drivers admitted they were traveling to counties where the restrictions were not in place to get their gas.
Under the rationing system, drivers with license plates ending in an even number can buy gas on even-numbered days, and those with plates ending in an odd number on odd-numbered days. Drivers with vanity plates that have no numbers can buy gas on odd-numbered days.
Overall, it seemed that the further south motorists were able to drive, the easier it was to get gas.
At a Lukoil station in Lakewood, there were no lines early Sunday afternoon, although station manager Syed Uddin said customers had been waiting 30-40 minutes on Sunday morning.
The station was closed Saturday because it ran out of gas Friday. The station sold 15,000 gallons that day — five times what it sells on a typical day, Uddin said.
Some customers were even defying New Jersey’s longstanding law against self-pumping, although Uddin said he was not granting permission to do so. “People, they don’t listen,” he said.
Lew Thompson of Toms River was pumping his own gas into two plastic canisters so he could power his generator.
“Makes it a little quicker,” Thompson said of self-service. “Like the governor said, sometimes you’ve got to cut through the bureaucracy and get it done.”
Lakewood is at the northern end of Ocean County, which meant gas rationing was not in effect as it was in Monmouth County, just a few miles away. Many drivers were heading south to avoid the restrictions.
“The hysteria up there is not worth it,” said Bob Rooney of Red Bank.