As panic buying for gasoline is seen in several states following a cyber-attack on the Colonial Pipeline, U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm is urging the public to remain calm.

"Let me emphasize that much as there was no cause for, say, hoarding toilet paper at the beginning of the pandemic, there should be no cause for hoarding gasoline,” Granholm said. “Especially in light of the fact that the pipeline should be substantially operational by the end of this week and over the weekend.”

A large part of the pipeline is already up and running and the company anticipates restarting most of its operations by the end of the week.

“But even after that decision is made, it will take a few days to ramp up operations,” Granholm said. 

The pipeline runs from the Texas gulf coast to the New York metropolitan area. President Joe Biden is receiving regular briefings on the issue and directing federal agencies to bring in resources to help alleviate any gas shortages.