Home Local News Colonial Pipeline says operations have resumed

Colonial Pipeline says operations have resumed

A plastic bag covers a gas pump handle at the Circle K in Hamlet Monday evening.
Leah Melvin - Richmond Observer

ROCKINGHAM — Colonial Pipeline announced Wednesday afternoon that operations of its line hacked late last week resumed at 5 p.m.

According to a press release, it will take several days for the supply chain to return to normal.

“Some markets served by Colonial Pipeline may experience, or continue to experience, intermittent service interruptions during the start-up period,” the release reads. “Colonial will move as much gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel as is safely possible and will continue to do so until markets return to normal.

“As we initiate our return to service, our primary focus remains safety. As part of this startup process, Colonial will conduct a comprehensive series of pipeline safety assessments in compliance with all Federal pipeline safety requirements.”

The 5,500-mile pipeline runs from refineries in Texas, through North Carolina and up to New Jersey, supplying about 45% of fuel for the East Coast.

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Following news of the pipeline’s hack, motorists began to panic buy, filling up their tanks and extra containers. Some photos and video circulating on social media showed people pouring gasoline into multiple storage containers and even plastic bags.

The resulting frenzy caused long lines at the pumps Monday evening. A power outage in Rockingham compounded problems.

Also on Monday, Gov. Roy Cooper declared a state of emergency, temporarily suspending fuel regulations, the Carolina Journal reported.

By late Monday and early Tuesday, several stations were out or very low on gasoline.

According to the Washington Post, 65% of gas stations in North Carolina were dry on Wednesday, and, due to the lack of supply due to the abnormally high demand, the nationwide average cost exceeded $3 per gallon for the first time since 2014. Stations in South Carolina, Georgia and Virgina were also hit hard by panic buying.

 



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