Columbia, S.C. Gov. Sanford issued the following statement today in response to the possibility of disruptions to the flow of gasoline into South Carolina caused by Hurricane Rita. Gov. Sanford urged citizens to limit gas purchases to immediate needs, and asked for citizens' help in monitoring gas prices in the state to prevent price gouging. Three weeks ago, Hurricane Katrina caused a disruption in gas supply across the Southeast, resulting in supply shortages in South Carolina and elsewhere.

"A few weeks ago, South Carolinians pulled together to see us through a gas shortage following Katrina. At this point, we don't know exactly what kind of effect Rita is going to have on prices and supply. In the meantime, people once again need to ride to the Friday night football game with a neighbor, ride to lunch with a co-worker or ride to the grocery store with a friend from down the street. Also, we have to remember our neighbor at the gas pump and not attempt to fill up every five-gallon tank we've got in the back of the garage. That same kind of common-sense conservation helped get us though the previous storm, and will go a long way toward helping us weather this one."

Gov. Sanford is also asking for citizens' help in determining whether price gouging is occurring. Citizens are encouraged to log onto www.scgovernor.com and follow the link to report gas prices. The Governor's Office will be monitoring the information to determine whether further action is necessary to prevent price gouging.