Virginia Gas Shortage: Where To Find Gas In Alexandria

ALEXANDRIA, VA — Drivers in Alexandria and throughout Virginia are finding a rude awakening at gas stations this week. Panic buying following a cyberattack and temporary shutdown of a regional pipeline has led to widespread gas shortages in the region.

Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam declared a state of emergency Tuesday to help the state prepare for potential supply shortages. The emergency declaration also allows state authorities to crack down on price gouging of gas and fuel.

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As of 2 p.m. Wednesday, GasBuddy reported 44 percent of Virginia's gas stations were without gasoline, up from 7 percent Tuesday afternoon.

With the state of emergency, Virginia's anti-price gouging law takes effect on necessities like fuel. Attorney General Mark Herring is urging drivers to report suspected price gouging to the state's Consumer Protection Section at consumer@oag.state.va.us or by calling 800-552-9963.

"We've seen some reports on social media of potential price gouging," Herring told Patch. "We're aware of a couple of social media reports in the Richmond area from last night. We are looking at those right now. ... If consumers have experienced that themselves or they see it somewhere I urge them to please contact our consumer protection section or the Virginia Department of Agricultural and Consumer Services, either one. We take all of these cases seriously."

Drivers can scout ahead for fuel by using online tools, such as the website and phone app Gas Buddy, which has updates on stations that still have gas supply and those that are running low.

Patch asked readers to report gas shortages or busy stations in Alexandria and went to scope out the situation. On Wednesday afternoon, the Liberty and Shell gas stations had lines spilling onto North Washington Street in Old Town. Prices at both stations were below $3.

Del Ray Patch reader Maria Wasowski shared on neighbor post that Del Ray gas stations had no gas Tuesday night. Waskowsi did not have any update on the gas stations on Wednesday.

Old Town Alexandria Patch reader Brian Robertson observed lines onto South Patrick Street at both gas stations at the Franklin Street intersection around 11:15 p.m. Tuesday. Reader Omeima Khidir noted that several King Street gas stations were out but did not specify locations.

Just south of Alexandria at the Belle View Shopping Center, some Exxon gas station pumps were closed early Wednesday afternoon and the prices for regular and supreme gas were above $3. There were no lines for the limited pumps open.