A cyberattack on Colonial Pipeline operations continued to disrupt fuel distribution across the East Coast for a third consecutive day, with gas stations in five states reporting intermittent shortages.

The attack, attributed to a ransomware group believed to operate from Eastern Europe, targeted the company billing and operational technology systems. Colonial said it was working with the FBI and CISA to restore full operations.

Gas prices in affected areas spiked by an average of 18 cents per gallon overnight, with some stations in North Carolina and Virginia running dry. AAA urged drivers not to panic-buy, noting supply disruptions were expected to be temporary.

The incident has reignited debate over pipeline cybersecurity standards. The TSA issued new mandatory cybersecurity directives for pipeline operators last year, but critics say enforcement has been inconsistent.

Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm urged calm and said the Strategic Petroleum Reserve was prepared to release supplies if the disruption extended beyond a week. The White House said it was monitoring the situation closely.