Panic-Buying Creates Gas Shortage in the Smithville Area

Consumers made a mad dash for the pumps Tuesday and the panic buying has caused many convenience markets in the Smithville area including DeKalb Market (shown here) to run out of gasoline at some pumps

Gas lines began forming at area convenience stores Tuesday and late into the night as consumers, including local emergency services, scrambled to refill tanks. The surge has resulted in a temporary gas shortage at some businesses

May 12, 2021
By: Dwayne Page

Consumers made a mad dash for the pumps Tuesday and the panic buying has caused many convenience markets in the Smithville area to temporarily run out of gasoline.

Gas lines began forming during the day and even late into the night as consumers, including local emergency services, scrambled to refill tanks

Several businesses were still out of fuel this morning (Wednesday) but most are expecting new shipments of gas sometime today or tomorrow.

Consumers apparently became concerned after learning through news reports that the nation’s biggest fuel pipeline had halted operations due to a cyberattack. The pipeline serves 45% of all fuel consumed on the East Coast.

Federal officials say gasoline consumers should remain calm and only buy what they need, assuring the public the pipeline will be back and running at full capacity soon.