East Coast Gas Shortage
May 12, 2021
This week the Colonial Pipeline database was the victim of a cybersecurity attack by Darkside, a group of criminal hackers. The ransomware severely disrupted the flow of gasoline and jet fuel throughout the east coast. On the Colonial Pipeline website, it is stated “Colonial Pipeline is taking steps to understand and resolve this issue. At this time, our primary focus is the safe and efficient restoration of our service and our efforts to return to normal operation. This process is already underway, and we are working diligently to address this matter and to minimize disruption to our customers and those who rely on Colonial Pipeline.”
Across the nation, many rushed to panic buy fuel. Here in West Virginia, many local gas stations ran out of fuel for a short time, not due to the pipeline status, but due to the amount of individuals panic buying gas. Senator Stephen Balwin said the following yesterday on his Facebook page:
“Let’s all take a deep breath.
1) WV is not significantly supplied by the Colonial Pipeline. We get only a small amount from it. Colonial is also expected to be back up online within a few days.
2) Gas supplies in the national strategic reserve are high right now.
3) The only way we will experience gas shortages is if we cause them. If that happens, as it did today, local stations will be restocked in short order. But lines will form and prices will go up due to the unnecessary demand we create.
4) Essential employees and first responders need access to fuel daily. They will be in a short-term pinch if these runs on gas continue.
5) I know our nerves are shot. Mine are too. Common sense and basic decency are in short supply these days. So let’s all take a deep breath and not make this crazy world any crazier.”
https://www.colpipe.com/news/press-releases/media-statement-colonial-pipeline-system-disruption
Chrissy Bowles • May 19, 2021 at 9:39 am
I didn’t rush out to get gas when this happened. Why? Because I had filled up 3 days before. I had just over half of a tank in my car when this happened. I saw all kinds of crazy lines. The shortages around here were caused by people overreacting. However, media plays a role in this too. People see headlines or hear the news and get “fired” up! It’s similar to when a blizzard is forecast…all of a sudden, you can’t find bread or milk in the grocery stores. It’s scarcity mentality…”There won’t be enough for me, so I better take it all while I can.” smh
Brianna Jones • May 12, 2021 at 1:20 pm
I think this whole thing is just flat out rediculous. The essential employees can’t even get the gas they need because there are people out here filling up 50 gallon drums, 100 gallon water tanks and 10 or more gas jugs at a time. If the society would worry more about other peoples health we wouldn’t be in most of the situations we are in now. Nicely wrote story.
jarp • May 12, 2021 at 1:40 pm
Thank you, Brianna! We appreciate your comments.
Brianna Jones • May 12, 2021 at 1:20 pm
I think this whole thing is just flat out rediculous. The essential employees can’t even get the gas they need because there are people out here filling up 50 gallon drums, 100 gallon water tanks and 10 or more gas jugs at a time. If the society would worry more about other peoples health we wouldn’t be in most of the situations we are in now. Nicely wrote story. Very detailed.