'Don’t Panic' at the Pumps, Biden Appeals to Drivers     

WASHINGTON - After a six-day distribution pinch that prompted panic at the gasoline pumps in parts of the country, fuel is flowing again through the most important U.S. East Coast pipeline which was crippled by a ransomware attack blamed on Russian hackers.  

“Don’t panic,” U.S. President Joe Biden appealed to motorists on Thursday. “This is a temporary situation. Don’t get more gas than you need in the next few days.”   The president also warned gas station operators not to engage in price gouging.   “Do not try to take advantage of consumers during this time,” he said in remarks from the Roosevelt Room of the White House. “Nobody should be trying to use this situation for financial gain.”