LOWNDES COUNTY, GA (WTXL) - Officials are asking drivers to conserve gas after a Alabama pipeline was shut down for a leak.
After a Colonial Pipeline was shut down last week for leak repairs, Lowndes County officials are warning citizens of a possible gas shortage.
Officials said that drivers should purchase fuel as the needed to prevent a negative effect on the local gas supply. They said if everyone tried to get gas at the same time and store extra, a shortage could happen.
Governor Nathan Deal also addressed price gouging reports, after he issued a State of Emergency for the metro Atlanta area.
“Due to a leak in a critical fuel pipeline in Alabama, which is currently undergoing repairs, Georgia and other states have experienced interruptions in motor fuel supply," Deal said. “There have been recent reports that wholesale and retail gas prices have substantially increased in some markets. In order to remedy this, I've issued an executive order reiterating the state law prohibiting price gouging... I urge the public to maintain regular consumption levels and travel schedules in order to reduce further interruption in fuel supply.”
