Gas Prices Up 6 Cents In Massachusetts Following Colonial Pipeline Cybersecurity Attack
BOSTON (CBS/AP) -- Massachusetts gas prices are on the rise in the wake of the Colonial Pipeline cybersecurity attack. Gas is now averaging $2.86 per gallon in the state, up six cents from last week.
The attack shut down the pipeline, which runs from Texas to New York and delivers about 45% of all fuel on the East Coast. Colonial Pipeline said Monday it hopes to have service mostly restored by the end of the week.
"The longer the pipeline is offline, the larger the impact on the East Coast," AAA said in a statement. "However, foreign gasoline imports and other pipelines can supplement Northeastern supply."
The FBI on Monday said the ransomware attack had been carried out by a criminal gang known as DarkSide, which cultivates a Robin Hood image of stealing from corporations and giving a cut to charity.
In response to the attack, the Biden administration loosened regulations for the transport of petroleum products on highways as part of an "all-hands-on-deck" effort to avoid disruptions in the fuel supply.
Patrick De Haan from Gas Buddy said in Boston, gas prices likely won't be a big concern. He did say airline ticket prices could be on the rise. "This isn't just gasoline," De Haan said. "This is going to be gasoline, diesel and jet fuel."
The average price of gas in Massachusetts is 10 cents lower than the national average of $2.96 per gallon. Today's gas prices in the state are 92 cents higher than they were at this time one year ago.
(© Copyright 2021 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)