Maya Ellison
In May 2021, a ransomware attack on the Colonial Pipeline—the US's biggest pipeline—led to an interruption of gas services to the southeastern US, causing a frenzy of panic buying. Photos and videos started to circulate on social media, showing people filling plastic bags with gasoline. However, the US Consumer Product Safety Commission warned people not to do this, as it is extremely dangerous. The viral media was later found to be from 2019, not 2021.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date | May 2021 |
| Location | Southeastern United States |
| Reason | Gas shortage due to a ransomware attack on the Colonial Pipeline |
| Social Media Platforms | Twitter, Facebook |
| Video Views | Millions |
| Video Content | A woman filling plastic bags with gasoline at a Kroger supermarket service station in Houston, Texas |
| Related Incidents | A photo of a car trunk packed with plastic bags filled with gasoline in Mexico in 2019 |
| Official Response | The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission warned against filling plastic bags with gasoline |
| Hashtags | #gasshortage |
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What You'll Learn
Gas shortage in the US
In May 2021, a cyberattack on the Colonial Pipeline, the largest gasoline pipeline in the US, led to concerns over a potential regional fuel shortage. This resulted in panic-buying and long lines at gas stations, with people using portable gas containers and plastic bags to store gasoline. The US Consumer Product Safety Commission and other officials warned against putting gas in plastic bags, stating that it could have deadly consequences. While the pipeline was expected to resume operations within a few days, the incident caused a temporary interruption in fuel supply in certain regions.
The situation highlighted the potential impact of pipeline disruptions on fuel availability and prices. It also demonstrated the tendency for panic-buying and hoarding during perceived shortages, which can exacerbate the issue. However, despite the closure of the largest pipeline, there was no widespread gas shortage in the US at the time. The US energy secretary assured the public that the pipeline would be operational by the weekend, and temporary waivers were issued to facilitate the flow of fuel from refineries to gas stations.
While the 2021 pipeline shutdown caused concern, it is important to note that the US has experienced more severe gas shortage scenarios. For example, natural disasters such as hurricanes can cause floods, road closures, and damage to fuel pipelines, leading to significant gas shortages across multiple states. These events can have a profound impact on businesses, especially those operating vehicle fleets. In such situations, advance planning and staying informed through specialized sources are crucial for businesses to maintain smooth operations.
Although the US faced the challenge of a pipeline cyberattack and the potential for regional fuel shortages, the country has not experienced a widespread gas shortage in recent years. The situation was contained due to the timely resumption of pipeline operations and the implementation of temporary measures to facilitate fuel distribution. However, it serves as a reminder of the importance of preparedness and the role of government agencies in ensuring the stability of critical resources.
In contrast, other countries like Russia have faced more severe gas shortage situations in recent years. In 2025, Ukrainian drone attacks on oil refineries led to gasoline price spikes and shortages in several Russian regions. The shortages were particularly notable in the Far East and Crimea, which are typically supplied by a smaller number of refineries. While Moscow was spared due to its proximity to major refineries, the situation impacted ordinary consumers and motorists in other regions, highlighting the vulnerability of energy infrastructure to external threats.
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Plastic bags filled with gasoline in car trunks
In May 2021, a video went viral on social media showing a woman filling plastic bags with gasoline at a Kroger supermarket service station in Houston, Texas. The video, which first surfaced online in 2019, sparked concerns about people putting gasoline in plastic bags and storing them in car trunks during fuel shortages.
While the video is real, it is important to emphasize that putting gasoline in plastic bags is dangerous and strongly advised against. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) issued a warning on Twitter, stating, "Do not fill plastic bags with gasoline. Use only containers approved for fuel." This warning came in response to the viral video and photos circulating online during the fuel shortage caused by the Colonial Pipeline shutdown.
The Colonial Pipeline, one of the nation's largest sources of fuel, was impacted by a cyberattack in 2021, leading to a temporary shutdown. This caused a panic among drivers, who rushed to fill up their tanks and even resorted to filling plastic bags with gasoline. Similar incidents of people hoarding gasoline in plastic bags were reported in Huauchinango, Mexico, in 2019, and during another gas shortage in the southeastern United States in May 2021.
Storing gasoline in plastic bags, especially in car trunks, poses significant safety risks. Gasoline is a flammable liquid, and plastic bags are not designed to contain it securely. There is a danger of leaks and spills, and the potential for the gasoline to ignite, leading to deadly consequences. It is crucial to follow the advice of officials and only use containers approved for fuel storage and transportation.
It is important to remain calm during fuel shortages and avoid panic buying or resorting to unsafe practices. Buying only what is necessary and listening to expert advice are recommended. While it may be tempting to stock up on gasoline during a shortage, hoarding can create more problems and put individuals and their families at risk.
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People panic-buying gasoline
In May 2021, a cyberattack on the Colonial Pipeline in the US caused a gas shortage and led to people panic-buying gasoline. This frenzy to fill up their tanks resulted in long lines at gas stations and even closures. The situation was exacerbated by hoarding and panic buying, with people filling up not just their cars but also portable gas containers and, dangerously, plastic bags.
The pipeline, which is the biggest in the US, was shut down after a ransomware attack. This disruption caused a ripple effect, impacting the supply of gasoline and other goods, and leading to a surge in demand and prices. The fear of missing out played a significant role in this panic buying behaviour, with people seeing reports and images of others lining up for gasoline, prompting them to join the queues despite government assurances that there was no shortage.
In the UK, a similar situation arose in September 2021, where British drivers engaged in panic-buying gasoline, resulting in lengthy lines and gas station closures. This behaviour was driven by anxiety and uncertainty, with consumers feeling uneasy despite government assurances of adequate fuel supply. The surge in demand led to a slight increase in the price of unleaded gas.
The act of filling plastic bags with gasoline is dangerous and has potentially deadly consequences. The US Consumer Product Safety Commission and other officials have warned against putting gasoline in plastic bags, urging people to use only containers approved for fuel.
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Warnings from government agencies
In May 2021, a ransomware attack on the Colonial Pipeline led to an interruption of gas services to the southeastern parts of the United States. This resulted in a gas shortage and people rushing to the pumps to fill up extra containers of gasoline. Social media users shared a video of a woman filling a plastic bag with gasoline to claim that people were panic-buying gasoline. The video, however, was from 2019 and not related to the 2021 gas shortage. Nonetheless, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) issued a warning to people attempting to hoard gas.
The CPSC warned, "Do not fill plastic bags with gasoline. Use only containers approved for fuel." They further advised that when filling a gas canister, individuals should never pour gasoline over or near an open flame. Doing so can lead to flame jetting, which is a sudden and possibly violent flash fire. The CPSC urged people to follow the gas canister manufacturer's instructions for storing and transporting gasoline.
The transport secretary also issued a similar warning, reminding people that improperly stored gas can be dangerous. The governors of Virginia and North Carolina declared a state of emergency as gas stations in these states ran out of fuel. Multiple U.S. agencies worked to provide alternate fuel transportation strategies.
The U.S. government and its agencies have been working to address the fuel shortage and remind citizens of the dangers of improperly storing and transporting gasoline. It is important to prioritize safety and follow the instructions provided by government agencies when dealing with flammable liquids such as gasoline.
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Safety concerns of storing gasoline in plastic bags
Storing gasoline in plastic bags is extremely dangerous and can have deadly consequences. Gasoline is a highly volatile substance that can easily ignite or explode under certain conditions. Plastic bags are not designed to hold flammable liquids and can easily rupture or melt, leading to a catastrophic failure.
When stored in plastic bags, gasoline can react with the plastic, breaking down its chemical bonds. This process can weaken the structural integrity of the bag, making it more susceptible to leaks or ruptures. Additionally, the gasoline's chemical composition can also be altered, making it unstable and potentially unusable. Gasoline vapors are another significant concern as they are highly flammable and can build up inside the bag, leading to a dangerous explosion if ignited.
The potential consequences of storing gasoline in plastic bags are severe. A leak or rupture of the bag can result in gasoline spills, creating a fire hazard and causing environmental damage. If the vapors ignite, it can lead to a sudden explosion, endangering anyone nearby and causing significant property damage. Even without a spark, the vapors can reach dangerous levels, causing asphyxiation or poisoning if inhaled.
It is crucial to follow safety guidelines when handling and storing gasoline. Approved gasoline containers, such as Type I and Type II safety cans, are designed to withstand the corrosive effects of gasoline and are rigorously tested to ensure compliance with safety standards. These containers are typically made of reinforced materials, such as specially formulated plastic or metal, and feature safety mechanisms such as venting systems to prevent vapor buildup. It is also essential to store gasoline in well-ventilated areas, away from potential heat sources or ignition points, and to adhere to local regulations regarding the storage and handling of flammable liquids.
In summary, storing gasoline in plastic bags is highly dangerous and should be strictly avoided. The potential risks far outweigh any perceived convenience, and it is crucial to prioritize safety by using approved containers and following proper handling and storage guidelines for gasoline.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, people have been witnessed putting gas in plastic bags. This was observed during a gas shortage in the southeast portion of the United States in May 2021.
The gas shortage was caused by a ransomware attack on the Colonial Pipeline, which led to an interruption of gas services in the southeast US. This, in turn, led to panic buying as people rushed to fill up extra containers of gasoline.
No, it is not safe to put gas in plastic bags. Gasoline is highly flammable and can melt plastic. It is recommended to use only containers approved for fuel.
Putting gas in plastic bags can have deadly consequences. Gasoline vaporizes more quickly in hot temperatures and can easily ignite, leading to a potential explosion or fire.
If you know someone who is thinking about using a container not meant for fuel to store gas, please let them know it's dangerous. You can also report instances of price gouging or gas hoarding to the appropriate authorities.
