Federal Authorities Tells Individuals ‘Do Not Fill Plastic Baggage With Gasoline’ After Russian Hack of US Pipeline

With Americans in parts of the southeastern US experiencing a panic-induced, temporary petrol shortage last week due to the Russian ransomware hack of a critical US pipeline, the federal government is apparently increasingly concerned about individual reports and posts on social media. On Wednesday, the federal government was forced to warn Americans not to use plastic bags to stock up on gasoline.

Do not fill plastic bags with gasoline.

– U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (@USCPSC) on May 12, 2021

“Use only fuel-approved containers,” the US Consumer Product Safety Commission, an independent federal government agency, told Americans.

Snopes on Wednesday exposed two social media posts claiming Americans are currently using plastic bags to carry gasoline.

“Both images are several years old and one was taken outside of the US,” the fact-checking website said.

“Follow the gas can manufacturer’s instructions for storing and transporting gasoline,” says the USCPSC. “When using a gas canister, never pour gasoline over or near an open flame.”

“NEVER pour flammable liquids from a container over an exposed flame.”

Flame stream is a sudden and potentially violent flash of lightning that can occur when flammable liquids from a container are poured over an exposed flame or other ignition source.

NEVER pour flammable liquids from a container over an exposed flame. pic.twitter.com/HoVuWf1gmt

– U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (@USCPSC) on May 12, 2021

“When people are desperate, they stop thinking clearly.”

Sometimes when we put out a safety message like this, people use it to look down on others. Instead, we ask that you use this as an opportunity to reflect on the security in your own life.

– U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (@USCPSC) on May 12, 2021

Transport Secretary Pete Buttigieg was also forced to deliver a similar message today:

While panicking about buying gasoline, Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg generally urges Americans not to fill plastic bags with gasoline. pic.twitter.com/KhxviRSaFE

– The recount (@therecount) May 12, 2021