N.C. ports help reduce gas crunch, Easley says

RALEIGH (AP) - Gov. Mike Easley says gasoline distributors in Charlotte can get more fuel for stations they serve if they haul their trucks to the coast.

Easley said Monday gas at port terminals in Wilmington and two other states should help reduce supply problems in North Carolina - particularly in Charlotte. Some outlets have been empty for days.

The governor said his office is trying to connect needy distributors to the oil companies with port supplies.

Gasoline has been slow in coming out of the pipeline terminal in Charlotte. Easley said some oil companies haven't released their full supply because they're worried they'll run out before the next shipment. Easley said the supply problems will work itself out but urged consumers to "reasonably conserve" gasoline until then.