University Of Alabama Expert Weighs In On Pipeline Shutdown

TUSCALOOSA, AL — Georgia-based Colonial Pipeline Co. was the victim of a ransomeware cyberattack on Friday, forcing the company to halt operations across the United States snd resulting in noticeable impacts as lines form at gas pumps across the country.

The attack, which the federal government says will impact fuel supplies in the short term in Alabama and other states, was believed to have been carried out by a criminal group with ties to Russia. Patch reported on Monday when Colonial Pipeline said it was still working to restore its network to normal operations, while formulating a plan to return service in incremental phases.

As the situation continues to grab headlines, one University of Alabama expert weighed in to provide local perspective to the effects of the cyberattack.

Steven Polunsky, director of the Alabama Transporation Policy Research Center at UA, said while the Colonial Pipeline cyberattack is a major concern, it's probably not for the reasons most people think.

"American freight infrastructure has some resilience – what can’t move by pipeline is being hauled by rail and trucks, and federal regulations limiting driver hours of service have already been eased in response to the incident," he said on Tuesday.

He then said apart from resolving the attack itself, there are two primary concerns moving forward — prevention of future attacks and panic buying at the gas pumps.

"Gas prices were already rising due to a combination of factors including the return of traffic after the steep decline during the pandemic’s first year and the oncoming summer travel season," he said. "Gas prices typically fluctuate, but the system can handle a certain amount give and take. What it can’t handle is panic buying, like what happened in Texas during Hurricane Harvey or even like when the shelves were picked clean of paper products nationwide in the early pandemic days."

In considering further measures to mitigate ensuing problems, Polunsky said the government may be pressed to consider fuel rationing once again if there’s another run on the market.

"Less immediate, but still important issues that demand attention, are general transportation cybersecurity as we become more dependent on technology; shoring up weaknesses in supply chains with possible responses including onshoring and redundant suppliers and paths, local government plans for resiliency during the loss of critical infrastructure, and workforce development to be the best in the world at what we do."

Polunsky's viewpoint is consistent with those of industry experts, including GasBuddy.com fuel analyst Patrick De Haan, who said this week the challenges brought on by the Colonial Pipeline shut down would likely not appear for several days or longer.

"My guess is they'll be able to restart the pipeline before any major issues develop," De Haan said. "This should NOT be a pricing event- but this may be a supply event."

Have a news tip or suggestion on how I can improve Tuscaloosa Patch? Maybe you're interested in having your business become one of the latest sponsors for Tuscaloosa Patch? Email all inquiries to me at ryan.phillips@patch.com.