12 May 2021 | 05:55 PM UTC
US: Fuel shortage likely to affect Southeast region into mid-May /update 1
Fuel shortage likely to continue in Southeast US into mid-May following ransomware attack; possible transport disruptions.
Event
A shortage of gasoline and diesel continues to affect the US Southeast following a ransomware attack that forced Colonial Pipeline, a midstream petroleum company, to suspend pipeline operations that provide fuel oil to the region. News of the attack has prompted panic buying, causing some fuel stations to deplete their stocks and close. While the states of Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia, as well as the District of Columbia, are particularly affected, shortages are also occurring in Maryland, Tennessee, and Florida, with some motorists being forced to wait in long lines to fuel their vehicles. Colonial Pipeline has stated that it expects to be able to substantially restore its operations by May 15.
Advice
Plan for potential commercial trucking disruptions and freight delivery delays. Fuel up vehicles ahead of travel if long-distance driving is necessary.
