Amid the shut down of the major pipeline network, there has been a panic buying at the gas stations which has prompted to temporarily suspend clean fuel requirements in three eastern states and the capital DC.

Although it is not yet clear which supplies would be affected, concerns have been raised over the shortage of gasoline across the country after the shutdown resulted in panic buying of the petrol.

Colonial Pipelines, one of the major pipeline networks in the country, was forced to shut down after a ransomware cyberattack, allegedly by an anonymous group called DarkSide.

Although the government has urged people to stay calm and the situation is temporary, panic can be seen at the gas stations in fear of fuel shortage.

Colonial Pipelines has been saying it has been working hard to resume its operations by the end of the week.

 

Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm said some areas "may feel a supply crunch, as Colonial fully resumes."

However, "there should be no cause for hoarding gasoline, especially in the light of the fact that the pipeline should be substantially operational by the end of this week and over the weekend," she told reporters at the White House.