The Colonial Pipeline Ransomware attack has direct effects on Fuel Supplies across the East Coast and the country, as the shortage is seen and people hoarding have been using random containers for gasoline. However, despite the shortage, this should not be something that should be done frantically as accidents may occur and put one's life at risk.
A gasoline station attendant pumps diesel into a car at a filling station on March 23, 2010 in Berlin, Germany. German President Horst Koehler said on Sunday higher petrol prices is the surest means to convince traditionally car-loving Germans to seek more environmentally-friendly alternatives, and his comment has already sparked the ire of the automobile lobby.
The fuel shortage amidst Colonial Pipeline is real, especially as the company has paid the ransom amount of $5 million or 75 Bitcoins ($BTC) from DarkSide hackers as revealed earlier today. Fuel Supplies are directly affected, but the company has assured people that supplies are coming back to normal in two weeks' time, which is a long wait for some.
The ransomware has claimed to have taken 100 GB worth of confidential company data which was held for ransom by the threat actors that were identified by the FBI as the works of DarkSide and its malware. This had led to massive hoarding from the public, especially as they could not imagine the effects of fuel shortage amidst this time of COVID-19.
Colonial Pipeline: Shortage Led to Hoarding of Fuel using Random Containers
While the CEO already assured people that supplies were not that affected initially, the hoarding has caused it to have an increased demand for fuel, which led to the shortage the East Coast is facing now. However, not everyone is prepared to face this tragedy and people have used random containers to fill up and keep as supplies at home.
This hoarding has now caused a safety concern for people, especially as it was seen that people were using extreme measures to get their gas supplies like the trending lady which used a plastic bag (via the Washington Post). Some containers may leak gasoline and lead to accidents like spontaneous combustions or have children playing with it, leading to unthinkable tragedies.
Use only EPA-Approved Containers to Store Gas to Avoid Accidents
And while this is happening, people should always consider safety above all else. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), people should always use a certified container to store fuel. This includes that of the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and its EPA-approved containers that prevent this from happening.
People can see this at the side or front of the gas tanks or containers which are mostly made of plastic and provides a leak or spill-proof design to avoid any accidents. It is important to note that not all EPA-approved containers are fireproof, but it is enough to avoid spillage that may lead to fire hazards and injuries.
Related Article: Cyber Attack Shuts Down Largest Fuel Pipeline, US Declares State of Emergency -- Are Fuel Prices Rising?
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Written by Isaiah Richard
