A cyberattack on May 7th, 2021, forced Colonial Pipeline, one of the largest pipelines in the United States, and a primary fuel pipeline for North Carolina, to shut down.  The FBI says a private group of hackers called “Darkside” is responsible for multiple states suffering gas shortages.

In light of the recent cybersecurity attack, Governor Roy Cooper signed an Executive Order declaring a state of emergency in North Carolina.  ‘The order also temporarily suspends motor vehicle fuel regulations to ensure adequate fuel supplies throughout the state.  The impact, however,  is already being seen locally, with some gas stations already out of fuel and others limiting the amount drivers can purchase.   Experts are advising motorists not to panic purchase or hoard fuel as that will prolong any outages and spikes, making the situation worse. Motorists are asked to only purchase what fuel is immediately needed and avoid filling your tank until the pipeline resumes operations.’

Source: ABC13News

The Order received concurrence from the Council of State. Read the full Executive Order No. 213 here.