MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Problems at the pump?
It is what many across the southeast are facing after a cyber attack on the Colonial Pipeline causing it to shutdown.
Local 24 News Reporter Brittani Moncrease has the details on how this will impact the fuel flow in the Mid-South.
Many have already heard about the Colonial Pipeline cyber attack last week leading to a shutdown of their fuel.
“I work out in Collierville, so I drive about 30 minutes to and from work every day, at least once a day. I also own a business, so I do a lot of driving for that. It would probably impact me a lot,” said Bryn Gilbert, a Lakeland resident.
For the Mid-South drivers, pump your brakes. There is no need to panic just yet.
“It is definitely having an impact. It is a temporary distribution disruption. It’s not a shortage. It’s not a lack of fuel,” said Andy Gipson, Mississippi Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce. “The greater risk is not the Colonial shutdown. It is the consumers’ panic buying. It reminds me of the great toilet paper crisis in 2020.”
Some companies with Colonial Pipeline contracts are having to turn to other pipeline companies, but that doesn’t mean we have to scramble for fuel.
“We have plenty of fuel. There is no shortage. The shortage is from getting it where it is to the stations where it needs to be,” said Gipson.
Across the border in Tennessee, gas station owners said they are already seeing a bit of increase. It’s not a lot, but it’s enough.
“It’s been like two days. The situation is going up like 20-cents, 30-cents a gallon. It’s going to be difficult for the common people because they don’t have jobs right now,” said Maha Chede, a gas station manager.
On top of that, there is already of shortage of fuel truck drivers.
“Every week three or four deliveries. Now, I’m getting only two deliveries. It’s affecting me because I need to make some money to pay them,” said Chede.
It is a combination of things, but the least affecting the shortage is the Colonial Pipeline shutdown.
“The good news is this is a temporary thing. There’s nothing to panic about,” said Gipson. “Colonial Pipeline has advised us that they expect to resume their operations to near capacity by the end of this week.”
So keep calm and fill up only when you need.