Threat of NC price hike and gas shortages after pipeline explosion
RALEIGH (WTVD) – For the second time in two months, a pipeline that supplies gasoline to millions of people is shut down, raising the specter of another round of gas shortages and price increases.
“I don’t think it is too early to say there will be an impact. I think that is all but guaranteed at this point based on what we know now,” said Patrick DeHaan, Sr. Petroleum Analyst with Gasbuddy.com. “I would tell motorists to be prepared for gas price increases and to cut back on travel if they don’t have to.”
The disruption occurred when a track hoe – a machine used to remove dirt – struck the pipeline, ignited gasoline and caused an explosion Monday that sent flames and thick black smoke soaring over a forest in northern Alabama, Colonial Pipeline said. One worker was killed and a half-dozen were injured.
Speaking about the incident Tuesday morning, North Carolina Governor Pat McCrory said, “As you know, that Colonial pipeline has a tremendous impact on North Carolina’s fuel supply. We are in ongoing communications with the Petroleum Institute, Colonial and all the other organizations.”
McCrory said the good news is that there are two pipes that run side-by-side. Only one is ruptured, so it’s not as bad as it could be.
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