ATLANTA -- The gas shortage in metro Atlanta will continue for several more weeks, leaving the majority of gas stations across the area dry and frustrated drivers searching for fuel, a petroleum company executive said Sunday.

"We're beyond panic; we're into desperation," said Tex Pitfield, chief executive of Saraguay Petroleum in Atlanta.

FORUM: Gas Shortage Got You Down?

Pitfield said Gulf Coast refineries knocked out by Hurricanes Ike and Gustav are coming back on line, but it will take weeks for the pipeline to Atlanta to reach full capacity.

"We are in for several weeks of the same conditions before it gets better," said Pitfield.

The shortage has hit hardest in Atlanta, Nashville, Tenn., and the Carolinas, including the Charlotte area and the mountain towns to the west. For days it has closed civic offices, cut short workdays and even canceled community college classes.

Atlanta Gas Prices provided by GasBuddy.com

Click here to add this map to your website.