Second Colonial Pipeline Disruption's Effect On Local Pumps
BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- A deadly explosion at a major pipeline in Alabama is fueling fear at the pump. This is the second major disruption in less than two months for the pipeline.
The pipeline supplies about one third of the gas up and down the east coast. But experts say Maryland drivers could see little impact if any.
The deadly Alabama pipeline blast Monday sent flames and black smoke shooting into the sky, visible for miles.
A heavy piece of machinery moving dirt at the site struck the pipeline, igniting the massive fire that killed one and injured half a dozen more. Also shutting down the Colonial Pipeline, which supplies more than a million barrels of gas a day to the east coast.
"We are not completely reliant on Colonial, there are other options too," said Drew Cobbs, Maryland Petroleum Council.
Cobbs say Maryland has multiple sources for gasoline including ports at Curtis Bay and trucks from neighboring states, so the supply may not be disrupted.
Demand for gas typically goes down in the colder months which is another reason drivers could see little impact at the pump.
"In the off season, drivers are not taking those long trips like the summer also keeping prices low," said Christine Delise, AAA Mid Atlantic.
This is the second disruption at the Colonial Pipeline in just two months, where a leak in September just miles from Monday's explosion caused a huge shortage, and gas prices to soar.
"Took a long time to get back, but this time an explosion for a shorter period of time," said Delise.
Experts believe this accident will not impact drivers at the pump, and believe overall, the Colonial Pipeline is a reliable infrastructure.
"Its an anomaly pipelines are safe transportation form fir petroleum product," said Cobb.
The pipeline is expected to reopen Saturday.
Investigators still looking into what caused the blast, and future ways to prevent these accidents.
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