May 11

May 11 Local gas tanks after cyber-attack

Speedway on Cotton Grove Road ran out of regular unleaded fuel shortly after their morning delivery.

On May 10th, 2021 Gov. Roy Cooper issued a State of Emergency allowing for Fuel Transportation Waivers in hopes to get things moving. Some Davidson County businesses are hopeful but felt unprepared for immediate impact of the shutdown of the Colonial Pipeline.

“In response to the temporary shutdown of the Colonial Pipeline, Governor Roy Cooper today signed an Executive Order declaring a state of emergency in North Carolina and temporarily suspending motor vehicle fuel regulations to ensure adequate fuel supply supplies throughout the state,” Cooper said in a Press Release on May 7, 2021, the Colonial Pipeline system reported a ransomware cyber-attack, resulting in a temporary shutdown of that line. The Colonial Pipeline is a primary fuel pipeline for North Carolina.

Terry Miller, a manager at Hop In and Out gas station on Talbert Blvd said that the Mobil franchised company ran out of gas late Monday night. “It happened so fast, I was mad because we had to close early,” Miller said on Tuesday. The store is open, but said she is not sure when they will have fuel. “It’s just going to get worse.”

Cashier Dominique Hunt had a similar experience at Speedway on Cotton Grove Road. “We just got a shipment in this morning and we ran out,” she said after placing signage on the gas pumps shortly after noon. “All we have left is diesel and premium, for now.” Cars were lined up in the parking lot with customers willing to pay for premium.

Shannon Allen was one of the customers willing to pay for premium. “When I saw the news this morning I knew I need to get gas on my lunch break or else is will be gone,” she said. “I don’t usually get premium, but beggars can’t be choosy.”

Cooper has asked North Carolina residents not to panic or fill up tanks unnecessarily.

At the time of this story, Murphy USA still had regular unleaded gasoline. Lines were growing quickly.

“Today’s [May 10th] emergency declaration will help North Carolina prepare for any potential motor vehicle fuel supply interruptions across the state and ensure motorists are able to have access to fuel,” said Governor Cooper.

While prices are expected to rise, Cooper says The State of Emergency will offer protection from price gouging. To file a complaint call 1-877-5-NO-SCAM or by filing a complaint at https://ncdoj.gov/file-a-complaint/price-gouging/.