Update (0647ET): And just like that, the Southeast of the US is heading down a dark path similar to one of the 1970s gas shortages from Virginia to Florida to Alabama following the Colonial Pipeline ransomware attack. Even with Colonial set to restore systems by the weekend, shortages have already materialized as people panic hoard.
The real panic has yet to begin as millions of Americans are waking up for work, hopping into their vehicle across the Southeast, and are hearing fuel shortages on the radio or reading push notifications on their phone. Driving down the street, they see rising fuel prices, signs at pumps that either read shortage or pump restrictions, or even see some gas stations closed.
WJTV’s Anna Farish reports gas shortages this morning in Mississippi.
One Twitter user reports one gas station is placing “limits” on fuel in Central Alabama.
People are panic filling up gas cans.
Across the Southeast, search trends for “gas cans for sale” are erupting.
We showed on Monday that the gas shortage panic started around 1300 ET Monday.
WCNC’s Billie Jean Shaw reports: “Good morning y’all! There’s a gas shortage throughout the Carolinas due to the shutdown of the Colonial Pipeline. These are pics from a gas station in S. CLT. Join me on #WakeUpCLT, I have the rundown on when all of this is expected to be over b/c it’s annoying. @wcnc.”
Fuel shortages in South Carolina.
U.S. average retail gasoline prices have soared on the disruption, almost touching $3/gallon, the highest since 2014.
The shortage continues to develop. We are assuming the craziness is just beginning.
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Gas shortages are being reported in the Southeast of the US amid the recent cybersecurity attack that temporarily shut down one of the largest pipelines in the US.
Colonial Pipeline Co. Chief Executive Officer Joseph Blount said the company was in the process of restoring its systems but wouldn’t resume fuel shipments until the ransomware had been removed, according to Bloomberg.
At the moment, Colonial Pipeline is manually operating a segment of pipeline between North Carolina to Maryland and expects a complete system restore by the weekend. However, gas shortages are already being reported from North Carolina to Florida to Alabama.
On Monday, North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper signed an Executive Order declaring a state of emergency, temporarily suspending motor vehicle fuel regulations to ensure adequate fuel supply supplies throughout the state.
WLOS’ Caitlyn Penter reported gas shortages in North Carolina.
Penter said long gas lines were developing.
WEAR-TV’s Renee Beninate shows that one gas station in Northwest Florida was selling regular gas for $4.29/gallon.
More people in Florida panic buying fuel for $4.50/gallon.
In Fitzgerald, Georgia, one Twitter user shows long gas lines at an enmarket gas station.
One South Carolina gas station was out of unleaded and plus.
Someone in Myrtle Beach panic hoarded gas.
People are getting worried about the shortage.
A massive line of people waiting for fuel in Asheville, North Carolina.
People waiting to fuel up at one gas station in Plymouth, North Carolina.
Not sure where, but the run has begun.
Gas shortage in Atlanta.
Gas lines in Clinton, North Carolina.
WSOC’s Greg Suskin reports a gas station in South Carolina has entirely run out of gas, except for diesel.
Shortages now spreading into Tennessee.
According to Google Search Trends, people started panic searching “gas shortage” around 1300 ET in the Southeast.
So far, nationwide gas prices have surged six cents this week to $2.96 – the highest for this time of year since 2014. If the national average soars to $2.99 or higher this week, it will be the highest since November 2014… and right before the start of summer driving season.
AAA forecasts gas prices are soaring because of the shutdown of the Colonial Pipeline, which delivers about 45% of all fuel to the East Coast.
“This shutdown will have implications on both gasoline supply and prices, but the impact will vary regionally. Areas including Mississippi, Tennessee, and the east coast from Georgia into Delaware are most likely to experience limited fuel availability and price increases, as early as this week,” said Jeanette McGee, AAA spokesperson. “These states may see prices increase three to seven cents this week.”
This is beginning to look like the 1970s gas shortage. If the panic just started hours ago – just wait until tomorrow. People will freak.
Via ZeroHedge Update (0647ET): And just like that, the Southeast of the US is heading down a dark path similar to one of the 1970s gas shortages from Virginia to Florida to Alabama following the Colonial Pipeline ransomware attack. Even with Colonial set to restore systems by the weekend, shortages have already materialized as people panic … Continue reading ““Gas Run Has Begun” – Fuel Stations Run Dry Amid Hacked Pipeline”
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