Gas Shortage 2021: Colonial Pipeline Restore Services After Ransomware Hack

The Colonial Pipeline Co has been running one of the most critical pipelines servicing multiple states along the East Coast. But last week, a malicious ransomware attack forced the company to shut down some of its services in the area, leading to fears of shortage and an uptick in gas prices.

Fortunately, the company has announced that it has worked with a cybersecurity firm to deal with the attack and has stated that operations will resume in the days of the following week. The FBI has also published the identity of the hacker group responsible and is currently monitoring the situation.

Gas shortage 2021 unlikely

Days after the reported hack, some residents in the areas serviced by the pipeline expressed alarm and calls were being made to stock up on gasoline. Panic buying has already been reported in some states days after the cyberattack was reported

In response, officials and company spokespersons immediately assured that any hoarding was unnecessary. With the pipeline's resumed activity in just a matter of days, the disruption that the hacking incident caused is expected to die down just as quickly.

Still, that apparently has not stopped the uproar over scalpers and preppers exaggerating the situation and generating social media notoriety. Over the weekend, the panic had contributed more to the shortage and price hikes than the disruption itself.

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Colonial Pipeline - Critical infrastructure for southeastern US

The incident proved just how vital the Colonial Pipeline Company has become to the fuel and energy infrastructure down in the southeastern areas of the US. The main pipeline was built around 1964 and spans thousands of miles between New Jersey and Texas, all the while connected to numerous refineries in between. To date, it is still the largest oil pipeline system in the country, pumping over a million barrels for jet fuel and diesel. 

The panic buying that was triggered by the pipeline disruption demonstrated just how much of the population still depends on fossil fuels. With ongoing vaccinations, travel restrictions are expected to lift which could lead to a steady resurgence in demand.

This vital position in the area has also generated no small amount of controversy. The pipeline has experienced many major spills during its years of service and has brought it into conflict with many local environmental conservation groups. This has driven the company to invest in more than $30 million to stay in compliance with newer safety regulations.

Strangely enough though, the hacker group responsible for the disruption did not fully realize Colonial Pipeline's importance. In a mixed message posted on the dark web, the FBI reports that the group expressed regret over the 'social consequences' that resulted from the attack but vows to continue targeting firms (only this time, these were apparently not tied to critical infrastructure).

In any case, both Colonial Pipeline and government officials are working to restore order to the gas-hoarding panic. Citizens are requested to report any suspicious price gouging activities at this time. For more details, please refer to the local consumer protections office.

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