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Colonial Pipeline fuel leak could spike gas prices

Posted at 8:17 PM, Sep 16, 2016
and last updated 2016-09-16 20:19:43-04

RICHMOND, Va. -- Drivers could soon see a sudden jump in gas prices after a leak shut down part of the Colonial Pipeline, an important pipeline providing gas to the East Coast.

Part of the Colonial Pipeline, which connects Houston to New York, has been shut down for a week due to a leak in Alabama. The leak already spilled about 250,000 gallons of gas.

The leak, experts said, could spike prices 15 - 20 cents a gallon.

To help avoid a possible gas shortage, Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe declared a state of emergency waiving certain state and federal regulations that limit the number of hours fuel tanker drivers can drive per week.

"This Executive Order will enable Virginia to prevent any potential disruption to gasoline supplies," Governor McAuliffe said. "This is a proactive step to protect Virginia citizens and businesses by ensuring that companies can bring in the gasoline supplies they need to offset any shortages that may arise as a result of this event."

Officials hoped the pipeline would be fully restored next week.

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