The recent ransomware attack targeting the Colonial Pipeline has caused gas shortages at some stations locally and nationwide.
Colonial Pipeline delivers about 45 percent of the fuel used on the east coast. Officials have said they hope to have services mostly restored by the end of the week.
Locally, government entities are closely monitoring the situation.
Marlboro County staff is monitoring the potential for fuel shortages. County vehicles including law enforcement and EMS use state contract credit cards to fuel at convenience stores. County Administrator Ron Munnerlyn said the county maintains up to 6,000 gallons at their own public works facility for emergencies. It is projected to be a month’s supply. Munnerlyn said if there was a shortage, they would work with departments to develop a rationing plan.
Marlboro County School District Superintendent Dr. Gregory McCord said everything was fine.
“We have enough gas to get us through to the end of the week.”
City of Bennettsville Administrator Max Alderman said he did not anticipate any problems for the city.
“We ordered 3,000 gallons just in case,” he said. “We are full now and in good shape. We don’t anticipate any impact on our city operations as a result of the gasoline shortage issue.”