COLUMBIA - More gasoline is being sent through two pipelines that supply much of South Carolina, but it could be weeks before supplies return to normal levels, according to the S.C. Petroleum Marketers Association.

One of the pipelines that deliver gas to the Upstate and Midlands was running at two-thirds capacity Friday, and the other was running close to 50 percent, association Executive Director Sims Floyd Jr. said.

Operators hope both pipelines will be running near full capacity by the end of the Labor Day weekend, Floyd said.

But supplies have dipped so low it will take time for stations to be fully replenished. And another problem could be looming on the horizon, Floyd said.

"The refineries are the next potential hurdle," Floyd said. "They have to put stuff in the pipeline for us to sell."

The long lines at gas stations across the state seemed to disappear as the holiday weekend approached. But prices continue to hover above $3 at many stations.

Many drivers want to know whether station owners are making a large profit. Floyd said that, in most cases, stations are matching the prices charged by gasoline suppliers.

Others aren't convinced. Several lawmakers want to make it easier for Gov. Mark Sanford to be able to declare a state of emergency. That declaration is the only way South Carolina's price gouging law can kick in, according to the state attorney general's office.

Attorney General Henry McMaster's office has received more than 100 complaints about gouging but hasn't taken action against any station. McMaster also doesn't think high gas prices are reason enough for an emergency declaration, spokesman Trey Walker said.

The high prices have led one retailer to promise to make no profit on gasoline sales through Sept. 12.

The Spinx company will open its books to an auditor, and if he determines Spinx has made a profit, it will be donated to hurricane relief, President Stewart Spinks said in a news release.

State officials are trying to get more fuel into South Carolina. Gov. Mark Sanford is asking oil companies to send more gas to S.C. ports that can be trucked to the Midlands and Upstate, Floyd said.

In the meantime, the Petroleum Marketers Association is encouraging people and businesses to conserve as much fuel as possible.

"We hope to be back to normal supply by mid-September, but until then, all of us need to conserve gasoline usage and resist the urge to hoard an already limited supply," Spinks said.