Governor Cuomo today moved to reassure New Yorkers that millions of gallons of gasoline are about to flow to area service stations. In a press conference Cuomo explained the series of events that led to gas shortages in the wake of superstorm Sandy. Cuomo said the problem was driven by debris that filled New York Harbor during the storm.

Containers were blown off ships and off the ports, some of which were underwater and not visible to ship navigators, creating a hazard. "The decision was made to close the port," Cuomo said. "This created a backlog of vessels that were trying to get into the harbor." 

On Thursday, the Coast Guard reopened the harbor so tankers carrying fuel could enter. Cuomo said, “tankers are now in the harbor and [we] are making progress getting fuel into the distribution system.” Generators have been brought in to the terminals that lost power so that they can begin pumping gasoline from the ships and barges, to supply the Buckeye Pipeline, and the Port Jefferson Terminal on Long Island.

"I have just signed an executive order that waives the state's requirements that fuel tankers register and pay a tax before unloading," Cuomo said. "I don't like to waive the tax, I don't want to lose the money, but we do want to accelerate the flow of the gasoline and that's more important." 

The Department of Homeland Security also issued a temporary waiver of the Jones Act, allowing "additional oil tankers coming from the Gulf of Mexico to enter Northeastern ports, to provide additional fuel resources to the region."

"There is no reason to panic, there is no reason for anxiety," the governor said. 
"We understand why there was a shortage. We also understand why it's going to be better, and better in the near future. We ask for a little patience once again," he said, adding the situation should improve within the next day or two.

Cuomo also announced the immediate supply of $100 million in state aid toward reconstruction and repair for homeowners.