ADVERTISEMENT

A cyber attack has crippled a major pipeline in the US. The administration of US President Joe Biden projected that the Colonial Pipeline, source of nearly half the fuel supply on the East Coast, would restart in a few days and urged drivers not to top up their tanks.

"We are asking people not to hoard," U.S. Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm told reporters at the White House. "Things will be back to normal soon."

Care to guess what everyone did? Even though government and industry officials said the nation had plenty of fuel and the pipeline was set to resume operations shortly, nervous drivers clogged gas stations and created shortages in parts of or all 11 states.

At least 12,000 gas stations reported being completely empty, and the squeeze pushed the price of a gallon past $3—the highest it has been since 2014. It's the toilet paper frenzy all over again.

#1

Gas Shortage

Gas Shortage

johnpavlovitz Report

Add photo comments
POST
laurencaswell4 avatar
Lauren Caswell
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Doesn't petrol eat through those plastics, like why they have the "no unapproved containers" signs on pumps ? Even if not...the fumes, the skin burns and fire risk is, well. I just can't explain how confused I am by using a bag of all things, to keep petrol in your home.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu

Many of these shortages have been caused by people's irresponsible hoarding. North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper, for example, told CNN on Wednesday that panic buying caused a gas supply problem in his state. With about 70% of Charlotte's gas stations out of fuel and price gouging complaints piling up across the state, Cooper said that they are working on multiple fronts to mitigate the problems at hand.

"I want this gas supply problem fixed as quickly as possible, and we are working with the local and federal officials, and the company to get that done. I have declared a state of emergency which would allow the transportation waivers for more trucks and heavier trucks to come into the state to bring gas, and we have a waiver from the EPA to increase the amount of fuel coming in," Cooper stated.

#4

Events Can Cause A Slow Down, People Cause A Shortage

Events Can Cause A Slow Down, People Cause A Shortage

Zappers42 Report

Add photo comments
POST
sakeenaabdullah avatar
Sakeena
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Due*. All gas stations should have done this. Good for these guys.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#5

The Bag Is On The Pump Because Its Out Of Service. She Isn’t Getting Anything

The Bag Is On The Pump Because Its Out Of Service. She Isn’t Getting Anything

ajmrktg Report

Add photo comments
POST
kathrynbaylis_2 avatar
Kathryn Baylis
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It would be even funnier if the pump was running and charging her, but no gas was coming out of it. Regardless, if she’d look up from her phone fir a few seconds, she might notice that it was out of order.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
#6

Better Pick Up A Couple Extra Bags

Better Pick Up A Couple Extra Bags

FiendishlyYours Report

Add photo comments
POST
leodomitrix avatar
Leo Domitrix
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What alarms me is the plastic bag in foreground on left.... did she already drop one?

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu

The federal government, meanwhile, has loosened rules to make it easier for suppliers to refill storage, including lifting seasonal anti-smog requirements for gasoline and allowing fuel truckers to work longer hours.

CNN also reported that ransomware hackers demanded nearly $5 million from Colonial Pipeline, according to two sources familiar with the incident. But at this point, the company has not paid the ransom.

Colonial Pipeline restarted operations about 5 p.m. ET, the company said in a statement.

"Following this restart, it will take several days for the product delivery 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. 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," the company said.

#7

The Stupidity Has Begun

The Stupidity Has Begun

RMcElhenney Report

#8

This What Y’all Doing Now, Out Here Hoarding Resources

This What Y’all Doing Now, Out Here Hoarding Resources

Stevie Norwood Smitty Report

ADVERTISEMENT

Colonial first announced it became a victim of the cyber-attack late last week, prompting a shutdown of operations into Wednesday. An interagency working group, with the Energy Department serving as lead agency, was assembled over the weekend, and officials assessed "multiple contingencies" in the event of a prolonged shutdown and decreased fuel supplies nationwide.

ADVERTISEMENT

President Biden previewed the decision in remarks on Wednesday. Talking to reporters, he said: "We have been in very, very close contact with Colonial Pipeline, which is the one area you're talking about, where that's one of the reasons that gas prices are going up. And I think you're gonna hear some good news in the next 24 hours. And I think we'll be getting that under control."

#10

They Fill Up Jacuzzi-Sized Containers With Gas

They Fill Up Jacuzzi-Sized Containers With Gas

demetriad5369 Report

Add photo comments
POST
andreadevine avatar
Full of Giggles
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I’m not sure this is a selfish hoarding. That type of container is commonly used on farms. He could be getting extra gasoline to keep his farming equipment running during the 5 day period.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#12

It's Been Truly Chaotic

It's Been Truly Chaotic

katicrosslin Report

Add photo comments
POST
southon avatar
Bobert Robertson
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Those aren't even new jerry cans save maybe 1 or two of them. This guy has been waiting for this moment his whole life. Probably has a bunker full of guns and canned beans waiting for the end of the world

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#13

We’ve Received Calls Into The Weartv Newsroom About This Gas Station In Escambia County Selling Regular Gas For $4.29/Gallon

We’ve Received Calls Into The Weartv Newsroom About This Gas Station In Escambia County Selling Regular Gas For $4.29/Gallon

Within a minute of our news car showing up, it was dropped to $3.29

reneebeninate Report

#15

Gas Shortage

Gas Shortage

WILLINGonABell Report

ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda
#17

Another Idiot Filling Up...

Another Idiot Filling Up...

Angryshorty Report

Add photo comments
POST
greggv avatar
Gregg V
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

LIBTARDS wondering why is gas missing? I voted for Biden and the cancelled pipeline and being energy dependent again from our friends in Russia, China and the Middle East when Trump made us independent and rich.... libtard thinking - more for energy, more for gas, more for heating... and hyperinflation hurting everyone - dumbtards.

View more commentsArrow down menu
#18

Methodically Make The Shortage Even Shorter

Methodically Make The Shortage Even Shorter

lundeentj Report

#19

Idiot In Va. Stopped At The Light And Smelled Gas To My Left. Put My Windows Up Quick.

Idiot In Va. Stopped At The Light And Smelled Gas To My Left. Put My Windows Up Quick.

jak_412 Report

Add photo comments
POST
robert-thornburrow avatar
Robert T
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yeah, because your windows are really going to protect you from the massive fireball caused by your vehicle igniting the vapour. Get the f*** away from it as quickly as possible, then report it to the cops for carrying a dangerous unsecured load.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#20

People Stockpiling Gasoline And Creating An Unnecessary Shortage

People Stockpiling Gasoline And Creating An Unnecessary Shortage

strooticus Report

#21

There Have Been Lines At One In The Morning

There Have Been Lines At One In The Morning

KRB4 Report

#22

Demand Has Caused Prices To Skyrocket

Demand Has Caused Prices To Skyrocket

JackicseB Report

#23

Gas Shortage

Gas Shortage

moses_cobb Report

Add photo comments
POST
cocowine avatar
Coco Wine
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

With that rig I'm assuming he runs a landscaping business so needs gas for trucks and equipment..I hope..

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#24

Towing Giant Barrels Of Gas Behind Their Truck

Towing Giant Barrels Of Gas Behind Their Truck

MrChris82 Report

#25

Pumps Have Been Closed

Pumps Have Been Closed

freddy_gsanford Report

#26

Viewing Gas Shortages As An Opportunity To Sell Gas For $16/Gallon (Nc).

Viewing Gas Shortages As An Opportunity To Sell Gas For $16/Gallon (Nc).

statepkt Report

ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda
#27

People Are Hoarding So Much Gas They Can't Fit It In Their Tiny Car

People Are Hoarding So Much Gas They Can't Fit It In Their Tiny Car

fireburrito5651 Report

Add photo comments
POST
kathrynbaylis_2 avatar
Kathryn Baylis
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Then how did they get the containers there in the first place? They don’t expand when full, but just get much heavier, so even though they may weigh it down, they should fit back inside the car. My greater worry is about the driver and the fumes.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#29

Filling A 100 Gallon Tank During A Gas Shortage

Filling A 100 Gallon Tank During A Gas Shortage

TMacATL Report

Add photo comments
POST
baron_simone_von_bianco avatar
Baron Simone Von Bianco
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

These massive liquid containers are mostly used for water storage, if you own a big vegetable garden or let's say it better, a literal field with crops. Probably this guy won the lottery or something similar, for being able to pay for all this gasoline.

markthomasc avatar
roadkillthebrave avatar
Roadkill The Brave
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yeah that's a water tank. Yes he's a farmer most likely, unless he's a prepper but the area where the shortage happened most likely farmer.

Load More Replies...
jo_shortland avatar
to_bleach_a_fox avatar
Stacey Montebello
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

A lot are, but if its a farmer who explained hes got an empty tank in his truck cuz the weekly delivery of gass to his farm didn't show up and hes f*** if he doesn't get some for his equipment the staff may say ok. Its planet season right now, you miss it your crop for the whole year could be impactef. Or he could be crazy and is just hording but we don't know especially with the rural NC hit hard before it hit the citys.

Load More Replies...
diana-murtaugh avatar
Diana Murtaugh
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

At 2.80 a gallon, that's $742! Maybe gas stations should do cash only for the length of the gas shortage.

paige_garberding avatar
Paige Garberding
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That's the fourth container like that in this thread. Is this Texas or is there another state with the same ostentatious greed?

ayersmark2000 avatar
On the Mark...
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This would be fixed by a preset limit - but stations get greedy.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#30

Filling Up Every Gas Canister They Have In Their Garage

Filling Up Every Gas Canister They Have In Their Garage

bakermarketus Report

Note: this post originally had 34 images. It’s been shortened to the top 30 images based on user votes.