Analysts: Drivers causing gasoline outages, shortage in Southeast with panic buying

Some spots around the Tri-Cities and Southwest Virginia are reporting gasoline pumps out of order due to supplies being tapped out.

Travel think tank AAA says panic buying is one of the main culprits in the latest shortage. Colonial Pipeline—the major hub for gasoline distribution for the East Coast—is reporting production has been disrupted because of a cyberattack on its system but says all operations will be back online by the end of the week.

Colonial also reported that consumers should fill up their tanks as normal. Analysts on the energy watchdog site GasBuddy said the Colonial situation should not have a long-term impact on supplies or prices.

Federal waivers are also being filed by the EPA to help with supplies.

(IMAGE: C. Lue / Unsplash)