Virginia Gas Shortage: Where To Find Gas In Vienna

VIENNA, VA — Drivers in Vienna 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.

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

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.

UPDATES: Colonial Prepares Restart Of Pipeline After Day Of Gas Shortages

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.

The Vienna Foodies Facebook group, normally a place for discussion about local dining, drew comments about gas shortages on Wednesday. Members of the group shared suggestions for gas stations with supply or encouraged the use of GasBuddy to find stations.

One person reported waiting an hour in line for gas at the Exxon gas station at Lee Highway and Blake Lane in the Fairfax area.

Another person said friends filling up Tuesday night observed people filling their tanks and several containers with gas.

"I have a baby at home and [definitely] don't want to be out of gas in my car in case of any emergency," the person wrote.

The group members had different experiences at the Safeway on Nutley Street south of Vienna. One person reported that the Safeway on Nutley Street had gas in the morning, but another user said it ran out before noon. GasBuddy reports limited supply as of 4 p.m. Wednesday.

As of 4 p.m. Wednesday, GasBuddy reports the following stations having no gas near Vienna:

• Sunoco, 2961 Hunter Mill Rd, Oakton
• Exxon, 8021 Leesburg Pike, Tysons
• Safeway, 1698 Anderson Rd, McLean
• Sunoco, 11190 South Lakes Dr, Reston