Business Owners are Worried about the Fuel Shortage

Business owners are concerned about rising prices and available Fuel supply after a pipeline that delivers about 45% of the Fuel used on the East Coast of the United States remains shut down due to a cyberattack.Packed pumps have become a familiar sight across the Tri-Cities as people panic buys in response to the shutdown of the Colonial Pipeline. According to the officials with AAA stated that the panic buyers are becoming the bigger problem.

Megan Cooper, AAA Spokesperson said that it removes that gasoline out of the market and more than likely if you are buying more gasoline than what you need, you’re likely not going to be able to use that and go through that gasoline in the short term.

Officials with Food City held a press conference on Tuesday afternoon about the shortage stating they have gas, but if panic buying continues, they could run into some shortages. However, overall, they aren’t worried. Steve Smith, Food City President and CEO said that they have got Fuel that will last through today in most stores, maybe not all. Into tomorrow, we’ll have deliveries that will get to the stores tomorrow.

The shortage isn’t just worrying individuals, but for businesses that depend on gas to operate, the lack of gas available is an issue for their business. Michael Dlugos, Owner of Atta Boy Lawns LLC said that they go through a couple of hundred dollars a day. They have got three crews mowing, landscaping and trees as well. It’s a fair amount because diesel trucks consume a lot of Fuel, mowers and other equipment.