ENERGY

Fuel shortage not expected for Oklahoma motorists after Colonial Pipeline closure

Jack Money
Oklahoman

Oklahomans aren't expected to see a fuel shortage after the cyberattack-caused shutdown of a pipeline system that provides nearly half of the fuel consumed on the U.S. East Coast.

But it's likely national per-gallon prices for fuel will continue to climb, both because of the Colonial Pipeline shutdown and the approach of the heavily traveled Memorial Day holiday weekend.

Local motorists can minimize supply issues and potential costs now by avoiding panic buying activities, AAA Oklahoma spokesperson Leslie Gamble said Monday. 

Last week, the average national per gallon price for gas jumped 6 cents, to $2.96, AAA reported.

Prices for fuel are displayed at an area convenience store in September.

Pipeline closure: FBI names pipeline cyberattackers as Colonial Pipeline promises return by end of week

If prices continue higher, an increase of just 3 more cents would make the national average the most expensive motorists have paid since November 2014.

To save fuel, and money spent on gas, Oklahomans can do any number of things, including some recommended measures, including:

• Wait until you have a quarter tank of gas or less to refuel. 

• Run multiple errands in one trip and avoid high-traffic times of day.

• If you own more than one car, use the most fuel-efficient model when possible.

• Remove unnecessary and bulky items from your car. Minimize your use of roof racks and remove special carriers when not in use. 

• Minimize your use of air conditioning. 

• In hot weather, park in the shade or use a windshield sunscreen to lessen heat buildup inside the car. This reduces the need for air conditioning (and thus fuel) to cool the car.

Gamble said while sufficient gasoline supply remains available in the U.S. (235.8 million barrels), select areas served by the Colonial Pipeline system could see fuel supply issues even after the U.S. Department of Transportation's temporary waiver of driver time limits for tanker operators.

More:Major fuel pipeline halts operations after cyber attack. Will temporary outage cause gas shortage, price hikes?

Generally, it takes about 15 to 18 days for fuel put into lines in Texas to reach the other end of Colonial's system, she noted.

“This shutdown will have implications on both gasoline supply and prices, but the impact will vary regionally," Gamble said. "Areas including Mississippi, Tennessee and the East Coast from Georgia into Delaware are most likely to experience limited fuel availability and price increases.”

Motorists in those states could see per-gallon prices jump by as much as 7 cents during the coming week, Gamble added.