An oil and gas pipeline system that had to be shut down on Friday after a ransomware attack is not expected to be “substantially” restored until the end of the week, the operator Colonial Pipeline announced on Monday.
“As this situation continues to flow and evolve, the colonial operations team is executing a plan that includes an incremental process that will make it easier to get back up and running gradually,” said a statement posted on its website. “This plan is based on a number of factors, security and compliance driving our operational decisions, and the goal of substantially restoring operational service by the end of the week.”
The company said it monitored its customers’ shipments and worked with shippers to move fuel.
The sudden shutdown of 5,500 miles of pipeline, which the company claims represents nearly half of the east coast’s fuel supply, was a worrying sign of weaknesses in the country’s energy infrastructure. The shutdown had raised concerns about fueling much of the pipeline across the country. As a result, gasoline futures prices had risen on Monday, and analysts said a longer shutdown could push them up even further – which could potentially impact the prices consumers pay for gasoline at the pump. Experts said several airports depend on the jet fuel pipeline, including those in Nashville, Baltimore-Washington, and Charlotte and Raleigh-Durham, NC, could have a tough time later in the week. Airports usually store enough jet fuel for three to five days of operation.
This is a developing story. Check for updates again.
