Maya Ellison
In May 2021, a video went viral on social media showing a woman filling plastic bags with gasoline at a gas station. The video, first posted in 2019, resurfaced amid a gas shortage in the US caused by a cyberattack on the Colonial Pipeline. This incident sparked panic-buying and hoarding of gasoline, with some people resorting to unsafe practices like filling plastic bags with gasoline, despite warnings from authorities and safety experts about the dangers of doing so. The US Consumer Product Safety Commission and other organizations have reminded the public not to use plastic bags for gasoline due to the risk of leaks, fires, and explosions.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date | May 2021 |
| Location | The East Coast, the Gulf Coast, Alabama, Georgia, Florida, South Carolina, North Carolina, Maryland, Virginia, Texas, New Jersey, Smyrna, Atlanta, Charlotte, Chattanooga Area, Garnet Valley, PA |
| Cause | Cyberattack on the Colonial Pipeline |
| Impact | Increase in demand for gasoline, long lines at gas stations, higher gas prices, gas stations running out of gas |
| Response | The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission warned people not to fill plastic bags with gasoline due to safety risks |
| Media | Videos and photos of people filling plastic bags with gas circulated on social media |
| Hoarding | Reports of people hoarding gasoline in plastic bags and other containers |
| Advice | The U.S. government and gas companies advised against hoarding and reminded people to only use approved containers for gasoline |
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What You'll Learn
The dangers of filling plastic bags with gas
Filling plastic bags with gas is extremely dangerous. In 2021, a video went viral of a woman filling a plastic bag with gasoline at a gas station in Houston, Texas. The video prompted a strong response from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (USCPSC), which issued a warning on social media, reminding people not to fill plastic bags with gasoline. The USCPSC urged users to only fill approved containers with gas, highlighting the potential for deadly consequences if people take risks out of desperation.
One of the primary dangers of filling plastic bags with gas is the risk of leakage. Plastic bags are not designed to hold liquids and are often not watertight, leading to a high possibility of fuel leakage. This leakage can occur during the filling process, as seen in the viral video, or during transportation, increasing the risk of exposure to flammable fumes and potential ignition.
Another danger is the potential for plastic bags to dissolve when filled with gasoline. Gasoline can dissolve certain types of plastic, causing the bag to weaken and potentially rupture. This could result in a sudden release of gasoline, creating a hazardous situation with a high risk of fire or explosion.
Furthermore, filling plastic bags with gas can lead to the release of highly flammable fumes into the surrounding environment. Gasoline discharges these fumes, which can easily ignite and cause flash fires or explosions. Approved containers for gasoline are sealed to prevent the escape of these dangerous fumes.
Additionally, transporting gasoline in plastic bags is unlawful in many places. The Portable Fuel Container Safety Act of 2019, approved in 2020, prohibits the transportation of gasoline in containers without appropriate fire mitigation features due to the risk of explosions.
In conclusion, filling plastic bags with gas poses several serious dangers, including leakage, dissolution of the plastic, release of flammable fumes, and the risk of fire or explosion. It is essential to follow the recommendations of safety authorities and only use approved containers for gasoline to prevent potential harm and ensure the safe handling and transportation of this volatile and flammable liquid.
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Viral videos of people filling plastic bags with gas
Several viral videos of people filling plastic bags with gas have surfaced online. One video from 2019 that resurfaced in May 2021 shows a woman filling plastic grocery bags with fuel at a gas station in Houston, Texas. The video, which has millions of views, prompted the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to issue a warning on Twitter, stating, "Do not fill plastic bags with gasoline. Use only containers approved for fuel."
Another video from 2021 shows long lines of people filling up their cars, portable gas containers, and plastic bags at gas stations in Atlanta due to a pipeline shutdown. The Colonial Pipeline, which is one of the nation's largest sources of fuel, was impacted by a cyberattack, causing a gas shortage in the region. Photos and videos of people filling plastic bags with gas circulated on social media, with some users expressing concern over the dangerous practice.
In addition to these videos, there have been reports of people hoarding gas in plastic bags during the shortage. A picture of a car trunk packed with plastic garbage bags filled with gasoline from Huauchinango, Mexico, in 2019 was shared on social media in 2021. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reiterated its warning, advising people not to use plastic bags to transport gasoline and only to use containers approved for fuel.
While the videos and photos of people filling plastic bags with gas have gone viral, it is important to note that this practice is dangerous and should not be attempted. Gasoline is highly flammable and should only be stored and transported in approved containers to prevent accidents and injuries.
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Gas shortages in the US
One recent example occurred in 2021 when a cyberattack on the Colonial Pipeline led to a surge in demand and long lines at gas stations across the East Coast and the Deep South. This particular incident also brought attention to the issue of people filling plastic bags with gasoline, which was deemed dangerous by authorities. While the video of a woman filling plastic bags with gas turned out to be from 2019, it resurfaced during the 2021 gas shortage and prompted warnings from the US Consumer Product Safety Commission. They advised people to use only containers approved for fuel and not to resort to using plastic bags.
Another notable gas shortage in the US occurred in the early 1970s due to an oil embargo imposed by the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC). This led to limited gasoline supplies across the country, with some states implementing rationing and flag systems at gasoline stations to distribute fuel evenly and maintain order. New Jersey, for instance, imposed odd-even rationing based on calendar dates and license plate numbers and required a system of flags to indicate gasoline supply levels.
Gas shortages can have significant impacts on consumers and businesses alike, causing panic and disrupting daily transportation and operations. In preparation for severe weather or fuel shortages, business owners and fleet managers are advised to have a comprehensive action plan in place to ensure the safety of their employees and vehicles and to maintain smooth operations. This includes staying informed through reliable sources and utilizing tools like fleet cards that provide updated data on fuel availability and pricing.
While the 2021 Colonial Pipeline cyberattack and the 1973-1974 OPEC oil embargo are notable examples, gas shortages in the US have occurred due to various reasons over the years. These incidents highlight the importance of preparedness and the need for effective strategies to manage and mitigate the impacts of fuel shortages on individuals, businesses, and the economy.
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$29.9
The Colonial Pipeline shutdown
On May 7, 2021, the Colonial Pipeline Company, which delivers refined oil products from the Gulf Coast to the eastern United States, was the victim of a ransomware attack. This led to the shutdown of the pipeline for 6 days. The Colonial Pipeline covers 5500 miles and is a major source of fuel supply for the Southeast and the East Coast, transporting 2.5 million barrels each day.
The attack involved multiple stages against Colonial Pipeline IT systems. The pipeline's operational technology systems that actually move oil were not directly compromised during the attack. The attack began when a hacker group, DarkSide, accessed the Colonial Pipeline network. The attackers stole 100 gigabytes of data within a two-hour window. Following the data theft, the attackers infected the Colonial Pipeline IT network with ransomware that affected many computer systems, including billing and accounting. Colonial Pipeline shut down the pipeline to prevent the ransomware from spreading.
The shutdown caused a panic-buying frenzy, with long lines at gas stations in many states, including Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Virginia, and the Carolinas. There was also a spike in the average price at the gas pump, with regular gas topping $3/gallon in the aftermath of the shutdown. This price increase was more modest than initially reported, with an average increase of 4 cents per gallon in affected areas. The shutdown's effect on prices persisted well after the pipeline was reopened.
The panic buying did lead to some real shortages in certain areas, with nearly 1800 stations in several states without gasoline. Reports about people filling plastic bags with gasoline surfaced, prompting the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to issue an alert, warning consumers to only use containers meant for fuel.
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The Portable Fuel Container Safety Act 2019
The Portable Fuel Container Safety Act of 2019 is a bill that addresses the safety concerns associated with the use and storage of flammable liquid fuel containers. The Act aims to enhance the safety of portable fuel containers by mandating the inclusion of flame mitigation devices (FMDs) and child-resistant caps.
The Act directs the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to implement a final rule requiring FMDs in portable fuel containers with a capacity of 5 gallons or less intended for consumer use. FMDs are designed to impede flames from entering the container, thereby reducing the risk of fire-related incidents. This requirement applies specifically to containers intended for flammable liquid fuels with a flashpoint of less than 140 degrees Fahrenheit, including gasoline, kerosene, diesel, and various alcohols.
Additionally, the Act emphasizes the importance of consumer education. The CPSC is responsible for educating consumers about the dangers associated with using or storing fuel containers near open flames or sources of ignition. By raising awareness, consumers can make informed decisions and take the necessary precautions to prevent accidents.
The Portable Fuel Container Safety Act of 2019 also addresses the issue of child safety. It mandates that containers of kerosene and diesel fuel be equipped with child-resistant caps. This additional safety measure helps prevent accidental ingestion or misuse of hazardous substances by children.
It's important to note that the Act primarily focuses on the safe handling and storage of flammable liquids. While it does not specifically mention the use of plastic bags for fuel, recent incidents of people filling plastic bags with gasoline have sparked concerns about unsafe practices. Social media videos and reports of individuals hoarding gasoline in plastic bags during shortages have prompted warnings from authorities, emphasizing the dangers of using unsuitable containers.
In summary, the Portable Fuel Container Safety Act of 2019 is a comprehensive approach to enhancing the safety of portable fuel containers. By mandating the use of FMDs, promoting consumer education, and addressing child safety, the Act aims to reduce the risks associated with flammable liquid fuels. While plastic bags are not directly mentioned, recent incidents serve as a reminder of the importance of adhering to safety guidelines when handling and storing fuel.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, there have been reports of people filling plastic bags with gasoline during gas shortages.
People are panic buying gasoline and hoarding it in containers due to a fear of fuel shortages.
No, it is not safe to fill plastic bags with gasoline. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has warned that gasoline should only be stored in containers approved for fuel. Plastic bags are not meant for holding liquids and can leak, causing a risk of fire.
Fuel shortages have been caused by a cyberattack on the Colonial Pipeline, which carries almost half of the fuel consumed on the East Coast.
