Long lines of cars are plaguing city gas stations in the wake of Hurricane Sandy.

Drivers running near empty say they're being forced to wait up to three hours in a desperate attempt to refuel. Idling vehicles have created traffic jams with lines that stretch for several blocks at the few stations that remain open.

Many other stations are abandoned after either losing power or running out of gas completely. Officials say fuel delivery from tri-state refineries has been delayed because of the storm, causing a shortage.

Local prices are hovering at around $4 per gallon. Sources within the state Attorney General's Office say they're on the lookout for price gouging to make sure no one is taking advantage of the emergency situation.