I don't know, but that is exactly what I am seeing here.
I was just thinking back to the "gas shortages" in the early 70's when they would close the station, barricading the entrances with signs that said "out of gas" when they HAD plenty.
That was when I lived in Jersey, and many of the gas station managers had big dogs and shotguns.
One time I ran out of gas, while waiting in a long line of cars for my turn to buy a $5 ration of gas (yes they rationed gas!). I think prices were pushing up close to 50 cents a gallon. We were pushing my "hippie" van along the line when the barricades went up. I went and talked to the manager who told me to just discretely hang out until the mob (literally an angry mob) left and he would fill my tank. I had only asked for enough gas to get home. I guess being polite paid off.