CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Amanda Ramirez didn't run to the pumps when she heard of the gas shortage, like others who emptied gas stations with fear buying. 

 

What You Need To Know

  • While Amanda Ramirez was trying to find a gas station with gas, her vehicle ran out of gas

  • Ramirez was planning to park her car at a station

  • Samantha Brewer heard about Ramirez's plight and brought her some gas to get home

 

Despite reassurance from Gov. Roy Cooper that there is no fuel shortage and Colonial Pipeline operations resuming Wednesday, gas experts say people are hoarding gas, creating chaos at the pump.

When Ramirez did try to get gas, she waited too long.

“I don’t even know if it’ll crank up to get home, so it’s hard. I just want to cry. The world is getting harder,” Ramirez said. 

When Ramirez arrived at a gas station on North Tryon, she was just a few minutes late. The station was out of gas. 

“I have no gas. I have no gas. It’s under the red 'E,'” Ramirez said tearfully. 

As other drivers received word there was no more gas, they drove away to find it elsewhere. 

But Ramirez was stuck. Out of gas and out of luck, she was on to plan B. 

“I know somebody at the location from the store, so I’m going to ask if I can park my car here, and hopefully it won’t get towed,” Ramirez said. 

The store owners approved. A place to leave her car for the day alleviated some of her stress. 

“We went from crying to a little smiling at least. Bad luck then a little good luck,” she said. 

Soon, her small win turned into an even greater victory when a stranger overheard her situation. 

“I seen her and her boys out here and it’s real. And gas is limited and nowhere is gas. So I’ll bring her some gas back. And her and her boys are going to get home safe," Samantha Brewer said. 

Brewer happened to have a spare can at home. She returned with it, and together they poured some gas into Ramirez’s car. 

Ramirez thanked Brewer, telling her children to hug and thank her as well. 

A day that started with tears, ended with relief. 

“Now, I’m happy crying. I’m emotionally happy crying. I’ve been through all of my emotions,” Ramirez said.

In a time when it’s easy to think only of yourself, Brewer says it’s neccessary give to others. 

“If you see someone that needs gas, help them. Knowing you have gas yourself, please help them,” Brewer said.