Colonial Pipeline restarted operations Wednesday night after a hacking incident forced a shutdown, which sparked several Americans to panic buy gasoline. However, Executive Director of the Louisiana Oil Marketers and Convenience Store Association Natalie Isaacks said there is no need for hoarding gas, especially in the Bayou State.
“We live in Louisiana, we’re close to the gulf coast, we’re close to refineries and we’re not going to run out of fuel,” said Isaacks.
Photos of long lines at gas stations and people pumping gasoline in whatever kind of container they can get their hands on are circulating on social media. Isaacks said one photo of a woman putting gas in an open container is especially concerning.
“First of all, it is dangerous, it was in a Rubbermaid container, besides being dangerous it is against the law. When you need it fill up, don’t change your normal routine,” said Isaacks.
Colonial Pipeline carries fuel from Texas all the way up the east coast. Isaacks said even with the pipeline now back up in running it’s going some take time for distributors to catch up because people are hoarding gasoline and exacerbated the issue.
“Bottom line is I think we’re going to be through at least the repercussions of it, I’d say up until at least after Memorial Day,” said Isaacks.
The association represents 3,400 fuel stations and Isaacks said members in central and northeastern Louisiana are reporting the most incidents of panic buying.
Comments