COLUMBIA, S.C -- Gov. Mark Sanford said South Carolinians should be conservative in their gas usage for the next two weeks while work is being done to return the flow to two major fuel pipelines damaged by Hurricane Katrina.

The pipelines that bring fuel to several Southeast states have been shut down in the aftermath of the hurricane that hit the Gulf Coast early Monday morning.

Sanford said the larger pipeline should be running at 30 percent capacity this week and should be at full capacity within two weeks.

The state also has asked for federal waivers of regulations involving how long fuel tank drivers can be on the road and how much trucks can weigh to help get more gas into South Carolina.

"I think it is very important that we band together as South Carolinians and we will then prevent the spike that everyone is scared to death of from happening if everyone goes out and fills up the motor home, the john boat, and 10 red tanks in the backyard," Sanford said.

The governor also said he is not inclined to declare a state of emergency, which would allow price-gouging laws to take effect.

He said 95 percent of gasoline retailers are acting responsibly and said that the industry must police itself. If that doesn’t happen, however, Sanford said he would explore other options.

Drivers had their own thoughts on the matter Thursday morning.

"I think it's absolutely absurd. I don't think that one natural disaster should have this much impact," driver Pam Dousey said. "I guess if everybody didn't panic, maybe they wouldn't have raised them and we'd have some today."

"I wasn't worried until the governor said try not to drive this weekend unless you need to," driver Warren Phillips said.

"I knew a bunch of people were getting gas yesterday, but I just thought it was supposed to go up and be like $4 a gallon or something like that. I had no idea it was because there wasn't going to be any," Logan Wolfram said.

Thursday afternoon, Stewart Spinks, CEO of the Spinx Oil Company, said he refuses to turn a profit on gas sales during the shortage.

"Some might consider that to be driven by greed or opportunistic strategy. The Spinx Company is taking a stand against such actions and vows not to profit from gasoline sales during the weeks of recovery from this natural disaster," he said.

Spinks said that for the holiday weekend, the regular unleaded price will be set at his current cost, which is $3.19 a gallon. Spinks said he will not set a limit on gas purchases, but he said he is asking people to voluntarily limit purchases to 10 gallons to help stretch the available fuel.

Spinks said his zero-profit gas pricing will continue until Sept. 12.

Gov. Sanford Addresses State Fuel Conservation
Gas Shortage Criminal Activity Will Be Prosecuted
Money-Saving Driving Tips From South Carolina Energy Office