Some of our foreign friends and out-of-state family are asking us about the shortages, so I thought I'd answer here. It saves me time answering questions in one place. I am very pressed for time lately too.
I've been following this story closely since the attack. I did the research for my immediate family and sent them an email informing them so they could make the best decisions. I tell them: "Don't react to the first thing you hear. Seek out good information. Good information leads to good decision making."
The first news story I read regarding this attack was that it was attempted. When I read the word attempted, I thought, "Ah, our cyber soldiers have this." The next story I read said they had shut it down. I thought "WHOA!" Crippling infrastructure is considered an act of war.
The Colonial Pipeline is the largest US gas pipeline. It supplies 45% of the gas in the US.
Fun fact: Part of this pipeline runs behind where three members of our family work. The pipe itself is underground, but there is an access point. I am trying to get a picture, but people are busy. If I get a picture, I'll post it.
The Colonial Pipeline was hit by a cyberattack (ransomware) by the Darkside group on the 8th. That attack shut down the pipeline.
No country has taken credit yet.
Interesting timing that the Michigan governor shut down the CANADIAN pipeline on the 2nd of May. https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/other/michigan-governor-orders-enbridge-to-shut-down-controversial-canadian-oil-pipeline/ar-BB1gBkOX
Mr. Blount, the CEO of Col. Pipeline, warns of more shortages coming. IOW, it may get worse before it gets better.
The plan is to reopen the pipeline later this week, BUT they will not resume shipments until the ransomware is fully removed AND all federal guidelines are met.
"Colonial has given no timeline for the restart of its main pipelines.
The firm has seen the Litasco-chartered Tavrichesky Bridge, carrying 370,000 barrels of gasoline, diverted away from New York toward a new destination of Yorktown, Virginia, near the Colonial-supplied cities of Richmond and Norfolk." https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/traders-book-tankers-europe-ship-gasoline-across-atlantic-after-colonial-2021-05-10/
They are manually operating a portion of the pipeline that goes from NC to MD. They expect full services on that portion by the weekend.
As of 8 p.m. last night, 5% of VA stations were without gas. As of this a.m., around 300 or 7.5% Virginia stations were without gas. Virginia is the hardest hit state with the highest percentage of gas stations out of gas. As of 5 p.m. it was 7.7%. Some have received deliveries. That has helped the numbers.
Patrick DeHaan, aka "Gas Buddy," speculates the problem will extend several weeks. He is asking people to share info through the app to help make finding gas easier. His app is having issues because of the increased load. I don't have this on my phone, but I am getting news about it.
NC's Governor Cooper has declared a state of emergency.
GA's Governor Kemp is temporarily suspending the gas tax to help families and increased the weight limit on trucks so they can haul more gas.
The Energy Secretary says we have a supply issue not shortages. From the comments I heard, they were not too happy with her terminology lesson. We can call it whatever she wants, but people are looking high and low for gas.
For those who know our location, our closest gas station and the Murphy gas at our Walmart are out. We can still find gas at 7-11s. A county just north of us was completely out of gas at all stations this morning according to residents.
Our friends in Dayton, VA are having a hard time finding gas. Dayton is south of Harrisonburg. They are having to go to less desirable neighborhoods to keep their building/shed delivery truck going.
Some gas stations are limiting gas to 25 gallons at a time.
Gas stations in Escambia, FL jumped their prices to $4.29. People reported them for gouging, and they lowered it to $3.29.
SC has been reporting more outages.
A reader in Tallahassee, FL says the lines are unbelievable, and the only gas left is the premium grade at 4.16 a gallon. She doesn't think that will last long.
Some of the long lines: https://twitter.com/CBSNews/status/1392182729228398592 (I do not have a Twitter account, but I can search and see things on it.)
I remember the gas shortages in the 70s. I really do not think this will be that prolonged or severe. But, to help get you through in the short term, here's a few tips I remember from then:
Fill your tanks. Fill them often...every day or two, as often as you can. It very well may be easier to get a small amount of gas than a large amount. We already have 25 gallon limits in some places.
Keep at least HALF A TANK of gas. This is a good habit to get into because it keeps you prepared in case of emergency. When your needle hits the halfway mark, treat it as empty and fill the tank. I practice this all of the time when I am driving. You do not want to be rushing a child to the ER or in another crisis and have to stop for gas. Always be prepared. (Yes, I was a Girl Scout.)
Do not store gas in milk/water jugs. They will corrode and leak. Do not store it in open containers like trashcans like I am seeing people do on social media. Besides the fact that it is highly flammable, gas evaporates.
Rideshare if you can. Drive your most fuel-efficient vehicle. Combine errands with your daily commute. Take any weight out of your car/truck that you can to save on gas mileage. If you work with tools, keep your tools on board if it is likely you will need them for a job to prevent a run back home to get them. (Caleb has to keep his tools with him.)
If this situation becomes prolonged, keep your cars where people can not siphon from your tank. (in your garage, in view while you're out) If it does not get better, the desperate will resort to this.
A tip: Some of my friends are saving 40 cents per gallon with the app GetUpside. I do not know any more than that, but you might want to check it out to ease the hit on your pockets.
Another factor to consider as you make your plans:
Coming this summer: Lack of truck drivers could cause gas shortage
https://abc7.com/gas-shortages-why-are-prices-so-high-crude-oil-shortage-gasoline/10555914/
Our family: We have what we need plus some we can spare, if needed. I won't share more details than that here. To those who know how God has been working in our lives in the past few incredible and amazing years, it has been more of the same...every step of the way! God is good! God is faithful! Ask the Lord to keep preparing and providing for us. Stay close to Him. My love to all!
The promised picture of the pipeline access point. The actual pipeline is underground. Clint wanted his external family in other states to see it. Our love to all!
