The processing facility at the Suncor oil sands operations near Fort McMurray, Alberta
Canada’s oil industry adjusts to new reality
The days of bumper output may be behind the producer, but moderate growth could persist for some time, especially if demand and oil prices stay high
Canadian oil production has slowed to a more modest pace since the second half of the last decade after more than 20 years of rapid growth (see Fig.1), and according to the IEA the rate of growth is set to decelerate even more through 2030. But there are both upside and downside risks to the agency’s medium-term outlook for Canadian crude oil and NGLs production. “A key reason for the recent slowdown was the 2014–16 oil price crash,” Kevin Birn, vice-president and chief analyst for Canadian oil markets at information provider S&P Global Commodity Insights, told Petroleum Economist. “The success of North American production—the oilsands since the beginning of this century and US tight oil
Also in this section
21 April 2026
After overcoming a COVID-induced demand collapse with several years of successful market management, geopolitical events have conspired to provide the pact’s biggest test to date
21 April 2026
The regime’s policy of using nuclear ambiguity as a deterrent may have failed but it has realised it has other cards to play, while its neighbours are reappraising their approach to security
21 April 2026
As the global energy system undergoes a fundamental realignment, Algihaz Holdings has established itself as a critical player bridging conventional energy markets and the next generation of renewable infrastructure.
21 April 2026
The 25th WPC Energy Congress is taking place from 11-15 October 2026 at the Riyadh Front Exhibition & Conference Center.
