ANNAPOLIS, Md. — In light of recent disruptions caused by a ransomware cyberattack on Colonial Pipeline, the largest pipeline system for refined oil products in the country, Maryland Governor Larry Hogan[R] held a Cabinet meeting to discuss potential problems that the state may face if not resolved soon.
Hogan tweeted earlier that at his Cabinet meeting today, the state’s Energy and Emergency Planning teams briefed him on how there still may be temporary disruptions caused by the pipeline, which is believed to have been hacked for the first time last Friday.
“While the operators of the pipeline currently anticipate that the disruption is likely to be short-term, we are prepared for all contingencies,” Hogan tweeted. “We will keep Marylanders informed of any significant impacts on our fuel supply.
For now, drivers should proceed as normal.”
Colonial’s entire system consists of 5,500 miles of pipeline across the southeast United States. It connects refineries on the Gulf Coast to markets along the East Coast.
Maryland activated a statewide response to the news of the cyberattack on Saturday morning. Hogan also mentioned on Twitter that the state is closely monitoring the situation and is “coordinating with the federal administration and local jurisdictions.”
Before the Colonial Pipeline website went down again today for what the company tweeted was “unrelated to the ransomware [attack]”, the company put out a release mentioning how one of the pipes that runs through Woodbine, Maryland, is operating manually “for a limited period of time while existing inventory is available.” It is unclear what the status of this information is now, as their website remains down.
However, many gas stations along East Coast have already seen increased prices, or in some cases, a perceived shortage. We have reports that indicate a number of gas stations in Southern Maryland are running out of gas already.
Gas Buddy, which tracks gas prices across the country, reports that roughly 7.7% of gas stations in Virginia and 8.5% in North Carolina are without gasoline. Nearly 20% of stations in Atlanta, Georgia, are out. It can be noted that most of those stations now without gas are believed to have fallen victim to panic buying rather than an actual shortage.
Virginia and North Carolina, two of the most heavily impacted states, are both currently under a State of Emergency order. South Carolina has not declared a State of Emergency, however this is likely because the order they made for COVID-19 is still in effect, granting many necessary provisions. Virginia’s Governor made their announcement a few hours ago.
“This emergency declaration will help the Commonwealth prepare for any potential supply shortages and ensure Virginia motorists have access to fuel as we respond to this evolving situation,” Virginia Governor Ralph Northam[D] said in a press release.
The release also mentioned how EPA Administrator Michael Regan issued an emergency fuel waiver to help alleviate fuel shortages in Virginia and other states whose supply of reformulated gasoline has been impacted by the pipeline shutdown. That waiver will continue through May 18, 2021.
We have not received any additional details or statements on how the Colonial Pipeline problems may impact Maryland from FEMA or Colonial Pipeline. As we receive more information, we will continue to provide updates.
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