Gas Shortage Concerns Lead to Emergency Order in Georgia

ATLANTA, GA — In the wake of a major gasoline pipeline break in Alabama, Gov. Nathan Deal has signed an emergency order designed to prevent any shortages in Georgia.

The order, which Deal issued earlier this week, temporarily allows truckers to stay on the road longer to bring more fuel into Georgia. It does stipulate that no fatigued driver should be required to work.

Federal restrictions limit the amount of hours truckers are allowed to spend behind the wheel. Deal's order also stipulates that any driver who needs immediate rest should be given at least 10 hours off-duty.

UPDATE: Gas Shortage, Price Hikes in Georgia: Company Promising Fuel Line Bypass

The leak began Sept. 9 in Helena, Alabama, according to US News & World Report.

Colonial Pipeline, which operates the pipeline, said on Thursday, "Based on current projections and consultations with industry partners, parts of Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, North Carolina and South Carolina will be the first markets to be impacted by any potential disruption in supply.

"Colonial has briefed officials in these states and will continue to provide timely information to the public so that they can plan accordingly."

So far, about 250,000 gallons have leaked from the pipeline, which is located south of Birmingham, and Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley has declared a state of emergency, according to AL.com.

According to AAA, the national average price for a gallon of gasoline as of Friday was $2.18.

According to a Wall Street Journal report, Colonial Pipeline delivers about 40 percent of the gas consumed along the I-95 corridor from Maine to Florida.

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