Pipeline reopening after attack: It'll take 'several days for a return to normal' as anxious motorists in Southeastern US line up to fill cars.
Drivers in Southeastern states fearing gasoline shortages are resorting to panic buying as Colonial Pipeline restarted operations Wednesday after computer hackers seized control of a major petroleum pipeline last week.
The company said it will take several days for operations to return to normal. Meanwhile, major cities reported large numbers of gas stations without gas and long lines at stations still in service.
In Charlotte, North Carolina, 71% of stations were dry, according to GasBuddy.com, a site that tracks gas prices. About 59% of Atlanta's stations were reported empty.
Fuel prices are increasing as Colonial, owner of the 5,500-mile pipeline, works to return its system to full service. The company halted operation on Saturday after cybercriminals locked its computer systems and demanded an undisclosed ransom.
