Drivers frustrated as gas leak affects the pumps

Saturday, September 17, 2016
Drivers frustrated as gas leak affects the pumps
Many customers said gas stations were only selling premium, or not pumping at all

RALEIGH (WTVD) -- Some Triangle drivers looking to fill up their gas tanks Saturday left the same way - empty. The shortage caused by a 250,000 gallon leak in the Colonial Pipeline means many gas stations aren't getting enough fuel. The pipeline runs from Houston to New York.

One driver, Sergio Lopez, was trying to get regular gas for his minivan at a station in Knightdale. But the gas station ran out of regular on Friday.

"I mean, we did not expect it," he said. "We don't have any gas right now. This is crazy."

An ABC11 viewer sent in a photo from a Sheetz in Fuquay-Varina. Management had posted a sign saying they couldn't pump gas.

Sheetz sent out a statement Saturday saying the pipeline is beyond their control, but the company is working to find more fuel.

Many viewers posted on the ABC11 Facebook page saying their local Sheetz was either not selling gas or only had premium.

AAA says some gas stations are increasing prices as a result of customer panic and uncertainty. Overall, gas prices in the Triangle rose about 2 cents since Friday.

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Officials hope to have the pipeline fixed by late next week. AAA says if the problem becomes long term, we could see significant issues at the pump.

READ MORE: Gas leak stokes fears of fuel shortage in North Carolina

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