OHIO — Although gas prices in Ohio were on the rise Tuesday as some East Coast drivers were encountering fuel shortages following a recent cyberattack on the Colonial Pipeline, AAA said those outside of the East Coast should not experience major impacts from the cyberattack.
However, neighboring states may be affected by the cyberattack, according to AAA Ohio Auto Club spokesperson Kimberly Schwind.
“We have received some reports of shortages in West Virginia, so it’s possible that the issues and price hikes could trickle into Ohio,” she said.
According to AAA data, the average price on Tuesday for a gallon of regular unleaded gas in Ohio is $2.83, which is up 7 cents from last week. A gallon of gas in Ohio is 15 cents cheaper than the national average of $2.98.
AAA said that East Coast drivers could see increases of 3 to 7 cents per gallon of gas. The organization added that shortages throughout the U.S. are due to a shortage in fuel truck drivers and not the Colonial Pipeline cyberattack. AAA added that despite the shortage in drivers and the cyberattack, there is “ample supply” of gas throughout the U.S.
Gas prices could climb above $3 per gallon by Memorial Day weekend across the U.S., but that issues with the Colonial Pipeline, which have disrupted as much as 45% of the East Coast’s gas supply, are expected to be resolved by the busy holiday weekend, AAA said.
“We don’t expect higher gas prices to deter motorists this holiday season as many Americans are eager to travel,” Jeanette C. McGee, a national spokesperson for AAA, said in a statement. “We typically find when pump prices increase, travelers look for more free activities or eat out less while on vacation, but still take their planned trips.”
U.S. Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm acknowledged some gas station owners may be tempted to raise prices.
“We expect gas station owners are and should act responsibly,” Granholm said on Tuesday from the White House briefing room. “We will have no tolerance for price gouging. Federal and state officials will be investigating those actions if they see price gouging and we are encouraging consumers to report any price gouging to their states’ attorneys general.”
Consumers can file a report with Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost by clicking here.
You can find the latest gas prices in your community, according to Gas Buddy, here.
