Threatening higher gas prices for American consumers, a suspicious Keystone Pipeline rupture has halted the flow of crucial Canadian oil to American refineries.
Watch the video down below.
Coming after years of green policies that repeatedly undermined energy independence, the shutdown could impact gasoline supplies across the Midwest.
The Keystone Pipeline is a vital energy artery spanning nearly 2,700 miles from Canada to Texas.
It had to be shut down following a rupture near Fort Ransom, North Dakota, after an employee at a pump station heard what witnesses described as a “mechanical bang.”
The worker immediately initiated emergency shutdown procedures, preventing a potentially larger disaster.
South Bow, the company managing the pipeline, estimated a release of approximately 3,500 barrels of oil.
Fortunately, the spill was contained to an agricultural field with no people, structures, or waterways affected.
The North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality is currently overseeing remediation efforts as crews work to clean up the spill and repair the damage.
This shutdown could have serious implications for American consumers who are already struggling.
The pipeline transported an average of 624,000 barrels of crude oil per day in 2024, and this sudden halt could lead to higher gasoline prices, particularly in the Midwest.
Diesel and jet fuel prices may see even greater impacts if the shutdown persists.
While refineries typically maintain a few days’ supply of crude oil, a prolonged shutdown could become problematic for America’s energy security.
This latest incident follows Joe Biden’s decision to cancel the Keystone XL extension in 2021, which would have expanded the pipeline’s capacity and created thousands of American jobs.
The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration is investigating the cause of the leak. This marks the fourth significant spill since 2017.
The last major incident occurred in December 2022 in Kansas, resulting in a three-week shutdown. That spill was ultimately attributed to a faulty weld.
While environmental activists will likely use this incident to push their anti-fossil fuel agenda, the reality remains that pipelines are still the safest method for transporting oil.
Alternative transportation methods like rail and truck carry significantly higher risks of accidents and environmental damage.
As America continues to face energy challenges, incidents like this underscore the importance of maintaining and expanding its domestic energy infrastructure.
A strong, well-maintained pipeline network is essential for energy independence, national security, and the protection of American consumers from volatile global energy markets.
