How the Colonial Pipeline Became a Vital Artery for Fuel Reliance on the pipeline has grown as rising domestic production of oil and gas has led to reduced refining capacity in the Northeast. The Colonial Pipeline The pipeline can carry roughly three million barrels of fuel a day over 5,500 miles from Texas to New York. R.I. By Scott Reinhard [Latest news: Colonial Pipeline restarted its operations.] HOUSTON — The ransomware attack that forced the shutdown of a pipeline delivering fuel to the Northeastern United States highlighted the vulnerability of the American energy system. It led governors of several states to declare emergencies. And it caused panic among motorists as thousands of gas stations have run out of supply.