Gas stations across five states in the northern United States are running dry as a result of a severe oil export cut from Alberta, Canada. The abrupt decision by Canada to retaliate against new tariffs imposed by Washington has triggered a crisis that threatens to disrupt supply chains and inflate fuel prices to unprecedented levels. Authorities are scrambling to respond, but the clock is ticking, and the repercussions are being felt from Michigan to Vermont.
Governor Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan declared a state of emergency over the weekend, citing the critical role of the auto industry, which constitutes 20% of the state’s economy. The gasoline supply crisis has led to long lines at gas stations, with many drivers facing either empty pumps or strict limits on fuel purchases. Prices at the pump have surged, with reports indicating increases from $3.95 to $4.65 in just four days.
Washington state has been particularly hard hit, suffering a staggering 60% drop in fuel shipments from Alberta. The impact has been immediate; gas stations in Seattle, Spokane, and Bellingham have posted “out of fuel” signs, while rural stations have shut down entirely. Prices have soared to over $6 per gallon, the highest in over two decades. The fishing industry is also feeling the pinch, with fishermen unable to leave harbor due to dwindling diesel supplies, jeopardizing an entire seafood season.
In New York, communities along the St. Lawrence River have become hot spots for fuel scarcity. Many stations are either closed or are rationing fuel, forcing residents to travel long distances to find open pumps. Prices have skyrocketed, with averages crossing $5 per gallon, and emergency services are prioritizing fuel access amid reduced public transport options.
Minnesota is experiencing similar turmoil, with gas prices climbing over 25% in just a week. The state’s reliance on Canadian crude means that shortages have arrived almost immediately, leading to capped sales at major chains and the introduction of a rotating refueling schedule in some areas. The agricultural sector is particularly vulnerable, with farmers struggling to secure fuel for essential operations just as harvest season approaches.
North Dakota, despite its own oil production, is facing a crisis due to its dependence on refined fuel from Alberta. Rationing has been implemented at stations, and prices have surged. The farming community is bracing for significant losses as machinery sits idle without fuel.
Montana’s vast distances make the fuel shortage particularly severe, with long lines forming at gas stations and truckers unable to refuel. The agricultural sector is also feeling the strain, as farmers require diesel for critical operations. Grocery prices are expected to rise as freight costs increase.
Vermont is not exempt from the crisis either, with a 40% drop in fuel imports from Canada leading to severe shortages. Prices have spiked to nearly $6 per gallon, and the agricultural sector is already struggling to maintain operations.
What began as a tariff dispute has escalated into a national emergency. Governors are urgently seeking relief as emergency reserves are depleted and foreign fuel bids are underway. However, experts warn that without a swift resolution, fuel prices could explode past historic highs, and supply chains could stall, plunging the economy into turmoil.
The countdown has begun, and the implications of this crisis could extend far beyond the gas pump. As states grapple with the fallout, the question remains: how far will this crisis spread, and what will it mean for everyday Americans if fuel shortages become a new normal? Time is running short, and the urgency for action has never been greater.