The culprit? Technology.
Panic at the pumps
Colonial Pipeline, operator of one of the nation's largest fuel pipelines, endured a ransomware attack May 7. Transportation officials told residents they'd only make things worse if they panicked.
But many residents panicked anyway.
"People hear something and panic," said Tiffany Wright, spokeswoman for AAA Carolinas.
Current shortages are driven by people rushing to buy gas whether they need it or not, she said.
"It's still early, but what I will say is that we do have ample supply even though the Colonial Pipeline is responsible for 45% of the fuel going to the East Coast," Wright said.