The Chinese Puzzle

One often forgets that while we have hurricanes at this time of year (though it looks as though Irene is heading back out to sea, and the 10th depression this year is now dissipating), similar problems occur in Asia with typhoons, their name for the same thing (and they have seen their 10th severe storm already)…how will this affect demand and supply? Will the lines continue?
For example Typhoon Haitang hit Taiwan last month, disrupting tanker flow and this is now leading to severe fuel shortages in southern China. Further the rising prices are leading truckers to anticipate a fuel surcharge.

Lok Ma Chau China-Hong Kong Freight Association chairman Stanley Chiang said the union has suggested the levy because many self-employed truckers have lost income as a result of the fuel increases over the past year.

The continuing shortage has resulted in rationing of fuel in the region.

More after the jump at The Oil Drum.