GasBuddy Tops App Store Charts - Colonial Pipeline Attack

GasBuddy App Surges to No. 1 Amidst Fuel Shortages

The GasBuddy mobile application, traditionally utilized for locating affordable fuel options, has achieved a landmark position as the top-ranked app on the U.S. App Store. This unprecedented success is directly linked to the fuel supply disruptions experienced across the nation following the cyberattack targeting the Colonial Pipeline.

Panic Buying and Fuel Outages

Driven by concerns over potential fuel unavailability, American consumers engaged in widespread panic-buying, reminiscent of the heightened demand for toilet paper seen in 2020. Consequently, numerous gas stations were completely depleted of fuel reserves.

The GasBuddy app, featuring a crowdsourced reporting system, has proven invaluable in helping users identify stations with remaining fuel supplies. This functionality has significantly contributed to its recent surge in popularity.

Regional Impact of the Pipeline Shutdown

As of Wednesday afternoon, the repercussions of the Colonial Pipeline shutdown were being observed in 11 states, primarily concentrated in the Southeastern region and Washington, D.C.

North Carolina reported the most substantial number of stations experiencing fuel outages, with approximately 65% reportedly out of gas as of 2:48 p.m. ET on Wednesday. Kentucky, conversely, had the lowest reported outage rate at only 2%.

It's important to note that this data is based on user submissions to GasBuddy and may not reflect the absolute most current conditions.

App Store Performance and Download Numbers

Throughout the week, consumers have increasingly relied on GasBuddy to pinpoint locations where fuel is still accessible. The app initially reached the No. 1 position within the “Travel” category on the App Store.

Subsequently, it ascended the overall App Store rankings, ultimately becoming the top-ranked non-game application and the highest-ranked app overall across the U.S. App Store.

According to Apptopia, an app store intelligence firm, GasBuddy experienced 15,203 new downloads yesterday, representing a 59% increase compared to its average daily downloads of 9,560 over the preceding 30 days.

Discrepancies in Download Data

GasBuddy itself reports significantly higher download figures than those estimated by third-party sources. The company states that it recorded 313,001 total downloads across both iOS and Google Play platforms yesterday.

This contrasts with the 30-day average of 15,339 daily downloads. Specifically, 104,735 downloads were registered on Android, and 208,266 on iOS on May 11, 2021.

Historical App Store Ranking

Apptopia’s data indicates that GasBuddy had never previously held the No. 1 position on the App Store since tracking began on January 1, 2015. However, the app’s initial launch in 2010 leaves open the possibility, albeit unlikely, that it may have briefly reached the top spot prior to this period.

GasBuddy has confirmed that today marks the first time it has ever topped the App Store charts. The app previously reached No. 2 during Hurricane Irma in September 2017, trailing only a walkie-talkie application.

Ongoing Monitoring and Reporting

Consumers can continue to monitor statewide fuel outages and identify areas with the highest prices on GasBuddy’s website. The app also allows users to report the availability of gas and diesel, along with current pricing information.

Colonial Pipeline Cyberattack and Restoration Efforts

The Colonial Pipeline, spanning 5,500 miles from the Gulf Coast to the Northeast, was shut down on Friday due to a ransomware attack perpetrated by DarkSide, a criminal hacking group suspected of operating from Russia or Eastern Europe.

This pipeline is responsible for delivering approximately 45% of the fuel consumed by the Eastern Seaboard. The shutdown prompted widespread fuel stockpiling among Americans, exacerbating the existing supply issues.

U.S. Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm indicated that the Colonial Pipeline intends to fully restore operations by the end of the week.

Update: As of 5 PM ET on Wednesday, the Colonial Pipeline was restarted. The company stated that a return to normal service levels will require “several days.”