Idaho residents may need to prepare for possible gas limits this summer, as the looming threat of Hurricane Beryl has raised concerns about fuel supply chains across the country. The hurricane, currently tracking through the Atlantic, is expected to make landfall along the Gulf Coast, a critical hub for oil refining and distribution in the United States.

Historically, hurricanes like Beryl have caused significant disruptions in these regions, leading to temporary shutdowns of refineries and subsequent delays in fuel availability. As the National Hurricane Center reported, Beryl's potential impact could echo similar disturbances seen during past hurricane seasons.

Although Idaho is far from the hurricane's path, the state relies on Gulf Coast refineries for a portion of its gasoline supply. Disruptions in these operations could trigger a ripple effect, making it necessary to implement gas purchase limits to ensure equitable distribution among residents. According to the Idaho Transportation Department, they closely monitor the situation and advise residents to be mindful of their fuel usage.

Local gas stations might preemptively introduce purchase restrictions, allowing customers to buy only a certain number of gallons per visit. This measure aims to prevent panic buying and ensure there is enough fuel to go around. "We encourage Idahoans to plan ahead and consider carpooling or using public transportation where possible," advised a department spokesperson.

The agricultural sector in Idaho, which heavily depends on fuel, could also face challenges. Any disruption in fuel supply can have cascading effects on food production and distribution, adding another layer of concern for local farmers and ranchers.

In an article by Reuters, experts highlighted the potential for oil price spikes and supply chain issues if Beryl severely impacts the Gulf Coast. These disruptions could lead to higher pump prices and necessitate conservation measures across states, including Idaho.

As the summer progresses, residents must stay informed about Hurricane Beryl's developments and heed any advisories issued by state officials. While the hope remains that the hurricane will cause minimal disruption, being prepared for potential gas limits can help Idahoans navigate these challenges more effectively.

LOOK: See how much gasoline cost the year you started driving

To find out more about how has the price of gas changed throughout the years, Stacker ran the numbers on the cost of a gallon of gasoline for each of the last 84 years. Using data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (released in April 2020), we analyzed the average price for a gallon of unleaded regular gasoline from 1976 to 2020 along with the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for unleaded regular gasoline from 1937 to 1976, including the absolute and inflation-adjusted prices for each year.

Read on to explore the cost of gas over time and rediscover just how much a gallon was when you first started driving.

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