Drivers worried about gas prices after pipeline blast

ATLANTA - Georgia Governor Nathan Deal issued an executive order Tuesday, following Monday’s deadly pipeline explosion in Alabama.  

In the executive order the governor waived regulations transporting motor fuel in Georgia. This comes as officials with Colonial Pipeline continue to monitor the impact that the explosion could have on its consumers serviced along a 5,500 mile stretch from the southeast through the Mid-Atlantic.

The gas line shut down is a big concern for drivers in metro Atlanta.

“Had about half a tank, heard about the pipeline, thought get ahead of the curve,” said Ed Leonard who was filling up his car Tuesday afternoon.

Some drivers said after a Colonial Pipeline leak caused gas shortages across southern states in September, they were going to plan ahead.

“The gas prices went up, so I figured might as well do it today as opposed to waiting before it goes any higher,” said driver, Natalia Busuttil.

A spokesperson for QT told FOX 5’s Nathalie Pozo that they were planning ahead and allocating gas in certain locations while the gas line in Alabama is fixed. 

At the QT on Briarcliff Road near Clifton Road, Plus and Premium gas were shut down in order to have more unleaded fuel on hand. 

Officials with Colonial Pipeline said repairs to the gasoline line would not be complete until the weekend.

Garrett Townsend with Triple-A said, for now the gasoline supply in metro Atlanta is good and if prices do increase it will be about five to six days before they do.

“Anytime you have an effect on either refineries or that pipeline, it is going to translate to paying more money at the pump,” said Townsend.  “Consumers should not rush out to the pump, filling up, getting out of their normal cycle of buying fuel because that really puts a strain on a system that is already stressed.”

Some drivers said they are planning ahead after what happened last time and gas prices rising 28 cents in some areas.

“We are just trying to go to work and enjoy life and sometimes this can be a bit burdensome,” said Ivy Singletary who was filling up her car.  “But we're going to have to stay hopeful that it does not impact us too much.”