Cyberattack on Pipeline Brings Fuel Shortage and Supply Chain Questions

While most of the country braces for a fuel shortage, supply chain managers are starting to ask Evans questions, including if they should be worried about possible disruption. We wanted to share our perspective with you as things continue to evolve on this front, so we’ve put together some quick thoughts as part of our ongoing Evans Educates series.

Here are some top-of-mind thoughts for your business to consider as the situation progresses:

• This pipeline transports 2.5 million gallons of petroleum products per day, including gasoline, diesel, jet fuel, and home heating oil 

• The attack occurred on May 7th, and the pipeline has resumed full operations but may take days to get back to normal

• Some gasoline shortages being reported  in the Northeast and Southeast 

• No noted disruptions or inventory issues in the Midwest/West Coast at this time

• No reports of diesel shortages at this point although some reports of lower inventories or quantity caps at stations in the Southeast 

• An emergency DOT order is in effect, allowing trucks to run additional hours to bypass the pipeline and continue the fuel movement 

• As we saw with every other major shortage, panic buying compounds the issue and will amplify and extend the shortages

• Larger stations (TA, Loves, Pilot) will have more ability to drive volume through their own network

As always, we wanted to get ahead of any situation that may have an impact on your supply chain and offer our perspective. Please do not hesitate to contact us with any and all questions you may have in regards to the potential disruption of your specific situation. We want to help you Keep Moving Forward with any and all logistics needs you may have.

Have a great rest of your week,

Team Evans