RICHMOND, VA (Thursday, May 13, 2021)—Drivers in the southeast can expect to see fuel flowing at local pumps in coming days. Late on Wednesday, the Colonial Pipeline announced the restart of pipeline operations. While it will take several days for operations to get back to normal, this news will help to ease the supply strain seen on the East Coast – especially in southern Virginia, the Carolinas, Georgia and Tennessee. These areas are experiencing reduced fuel availability in parts of their markets.

“The restart of the pipeline is very positive news for drivers,” said Morgan Dean, AAA spokesperson. “While impact won’t be seen immediately and drivers in affected areas can expect to see a few more days of limited fuel supply, relief is coming. Station pumps will be full of fuel in several days. This is an especially good update ahead of the Memorial Day holiday.”

Virginia’s gas price average ($2.91) jumped another 4 cents overnight. It’s up 14 cents since Monday. From the time the pipeline was taken offline on Friday until Thursday morning, the national gas price average increased 8 cents. That pushed the average above $3/gallon this week – the highest average since October 2014. The national average is likely to continue to see fluctuation in the coming days and states where prices have spiked will see some relief as the pipeline becomes fully operational.

GAS PRICES FROM AAA

Average price per gallon of self-serve, regular gasoline. 
Gas prices provided by AAA, https://gasprices.aaa.com/

For drivers traveling through the south and southeast this weekend, AAA offers these tips -

If you are planning to travel this weekend throughout the south/southeast coast:

• If you own more than one car, use the most fuel-efficient model.
• Plan ahead – bring groceries and other necessities with you to reduce making trips while you’re at your destination.
• Fill up before getting to your destination. Use the AAA Mobile app to locate gas stations and call ahead to see if they have fuel.
• Avoid driving during high-traffic times of day.
• Pack lightly. Remove unnecessary and bulky items from your car and don’t use your roof rack or a special cargo carrier. It takes more fuel to accelerate a heavier car, and the reduction in fuel economy is greater for small cars than larger models.
• Don’t travel with a container carrying extra fuel in your car.

If you’re already on the road and will be traveling throughout the south/southeast coast:

• Use the AAA Mobile app to locate gas stations and call ahead to see if they have fuel.
• Have a Plan B in case you need to stay longer or can only make it part of the way home (find a stopping point). Use the AAA Mobile app to find hotels along your route and call ahead to check availability.
• Minimize your use of air conditioning. Even at highway speeds, open windows have less effect on fuel economy than the engine power required to operate the air conditioning compressor.
• In hot weather, park in the shade or use a windshield sunscreen to lessen heat buildup inside the car. This reduces the need for air conditioning (and thus fuel) to cool down the car.

AAA will continue to monitor the latest news concerning the Colonial Pipeline.

AAA provides automotive, travel, and insurance services to more than 62 million members nationwide and more than one million members in Virginia.  AAA advocates for the safety and mobility of its members and has been committed to outstanding road service for more than 100 years.  AAA is a non-stock, membership corporation working on behalf of motorists, who can map a route, access a COVID travel restriction map, find local gas prices and electric vehicle charging stations, discover discounts, book a hotel, and track their roadside assistance service with the AAA Mobile app (AAA.com/mobile) for iPhone, iPad and Android.  For more information on joining or renewing a Membership, visit www.AAA.com.