Colonial Pipeline Confirms It Paid $4.4M Ransom To Hackers

A hacker group attacked a major fuel pipeline's computer system on May 7th, leading to a shutdown. The pipeline company prioritized a quick and safe restart, despite the FBI advising against paying ransoms. The company justified its decision by emphasizing the fuel supply's importance to millions of Americans.

Why did Colonial Pipeline decide to make the payment despite the FBI's discouragement?

How do millions of Americans rely on the Colonial Pipeline?