The operators of the pipeline say they have restarted operations.
Annapolis, Md (KM) Action is being taken by Governor Larry Hogan regarding the shutdown of the Colonial Pipeline.
Hogan says he’s authorized Maryland Department of Transportation Secretary Greg Slater to issue waivers for weight restrictions, and hours of service requirements by motor carriers in the state that are consistent with federal regional emergency declarations. The Governor’s Office says the goal is to relieve pressures in Maryland and address transit issues as additional supplies of gasoline come into the state.
“The emergency actions that we are taking will provide the state the flexibility it needs to address any disruptions in fuel supply,” the Governor said in a statement. “It is important for Marylanders to know that the supply chain is still working–albeit more slowly than usual–and there is no need for panic buying. While the operators of the pipeline anticipate that the disruption will be short-term, we continue to prepare for all contingencies as part of our statewide response.”
Meanwhile, the operators of the Colonial Pipeline say they’re restarted operations. They say all lines, including the lateral lines that have been running manually, will return to normal operations. But the pipeline operators say it will take several days for deliveries to get back to normal.
But the price of gasoline keeps going up. AAA Mid-Atlantic says the average national price is $3.15 per gallon. The auto club says that’s the first time the average national price has gone past the $3.00 -per-gallon limit since 2014.
The pipeline transports fuel products from Houston, Texas to New York, New York, and accounts for 45% of all fuel consumed on the East Coast, AAA says.
By Kevin McManus