Canadian rocky road to recovery
Oil output is still ticking higher, but depressed prices and persistent pipeline problems are weighing on the industry
For an aspiring global energy superpower—in the words of its former prime minister—Canada isn't feeling particularly muscular these days. As 2018 dawns, the country is battling a malaise of spending cuts, flagging investment, lower prices for its heavy crude and nagging delays to key infrastructure projects that will surely preclude any meaningful recovery over the next 12 to 18 months. All leading indicators—from rig counts and drilling levels to stalled pipeline approvals—are pointing to another tough year of austerity and cutbacks as international majors continue to head for the exits, especially in the oil sands. Toss in continuing uncertainty over the fate of the North American Free Tra
Also in this section
1 April 2026
Golden Pass’s startup offers QatarEnergy a timely boost but may also force a difficult choice between honouring disrupted contracts and capitalising on soaring spot LNG prices
1 April 2026
It is not a case of if or when, but the length and magnitude of economic damage from elevated oil prices
1 April 2026
The US-Iran conflict demonstrates the need for diversification in several senses of the word. It also exposes the limits of Washington applying pressure on major oil and gas producers it considers geopolitical adversaries
31 March 2026
Disappointing results in its bidding round are a reality check for Libya, and global exploration generally
