Hurricane Katrina Damaged a Large Portion of Refining and Pipeline

Multiple Choice

Hurricane Katrina damaged a large portion of refining and pipeline capacity when it swept through the Gulf coast states in August 2005.As a result of this,many gasoline distributors were not able to maintain normal deliveries.At the pre-hurricane equilibrium price (i.e.,at the initial equilibrium price) ,we would expect to see

A) a surplus of gasoline.
B) the quantity demanded equal to the quantity supplied.
C) a shortage of gasoline.
D) an increase in the demand for gasoline.