BATON ROUGE -Louisiana Department of Natural Resources Secretary Scott Angelle is advising state residents to begin planning for fuel needs as Hurricane Ike nears the Gulf of Mexico and a possible Gulf Coast landfall late in the week.

Complicating the issue is the electrical shortages that also involves various fueling stations throughout Louisiana. 

According to a news release, "The precise location and timing of the potential landfall, as well the future intensity of the storm, are uncertain, but Angelle recommends that residents make sure they have enough fuel to either evacuate if the need arises, or keep generators and vehicles running in the event of power outages in homes or gas stations."

"We should prepare in the same responsible manner that we did for Hurricane Gustav," Angelle said.

"Gov. Bobby Jindal and Secretary Angelle moved quickly after Hurricane Gustav in working with the oil and gas industry and the federal government to keep adequate fuel supplies coming for state gas stations to operate, as well as securing generators to keep gas stations open in areas without power.

"More gas stations are reopening each day as power is restored to storm-affected areas, and the steps taken by state government have kept fuel flowing into the state. Louisiana residents should be able to calmly and responsibly get the fuel they need in the next few days, and avoid a sudden rush as a potential landfall nears."