Crude-by-rail exports are rebounding after a drastic drop in 2020 due to COVID and other factors
CALGARY, Feb. 26, 2021 /CNW Telbec/ - Canadian Crude by rail exports fell by nearly 40 per cent in 2020, averaging 172,013 barrels per day (b/d), compared to 280,272 b/d in 2019, according to the Canada Energy Regulator (CER).
While the OPEC+ price war played a role in the initial drop of oil production in 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic caused lower oil demand and a continued drop in crude oil production in Western Canada leading to excess pipeline capacity and lower volumes of crude oil being shipped via rail for much of 2020.
Crude-by-rail exports reached a historic high of 411,991 barrels per day (b/d) in February 2020 only to drop to an eight-year low in July of 38,867 b/d. Demand continues to gradually recover with crude-by-rail volumes increasing 10 per cent between November and December 2020. December volumes reached 190,454 b/d but still fell short of the 347,136 b/d shipped in December 2019.
Uncertainty remains in the near future due to the ongoing pandemic. The impacts to future Canadian crude oil exports will depend on how long it takes economies to rebound to pre-COVID levels. Exports by rail will also depend on price differentials, which have remained relatively narrow due to high demand for Canadian heavy crude oil in export markets.
The CER regulates the export of crude oil and petroleum products. Export orders or licences are required to export these commodities from Canada and holders of these authorizations report monthly volumes to the CER.
Quick Facts
January 2020 crude-by-rail numbers reached a high of 403,767 barrels per day, the first time crude oil exports by rail had surpassed the 400,000 mark.
After setting record highs to start the year, volumes fell over 90% before rebounding significantly through the end of the year.
In 2020, approximately 88% of crude oil exports moved by pipeline and the remaining crude oil moved by marine (7%), rail (5%)and truck to the U.S. or to various destinations throughout the world.
More than 97% of Canadian crude oil exported goes to the U.S.
Total crude oil exports in 2020 were 3.7 MMb/d (584 10³m³/d), a decrease of 2% compared to 2019.
Quotes
"2020 was far from a normal year for everyone, and it was a particular roller-coaster for crude-by-rail. COVID-19's effect on Canadian energy use, production and exports was significant and widespread, so it's no surprise that this is reflected in annual crude-by-rail export numbers."
Darren Christie Chief Economist Canada Energy Regulator
The Canada Energy Regulator (CER) works to keep energy moving safely across the country. We review energy development projects and share energy information, all while enforcing some of the strictest safety and environmental standards in the world. To find out how the CER is working for you visit us online or connect on social media
WHY: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, reminds purchasers of Class A common stock of Nextdoor Holdings, Inc. f/k/a Khosla Ventures Acquisition Co. II between July 6, 2021 and November 8, 2022, both dates inclusive (the "Class...
In response to the unprecedented challenges that Latin America has faced during various health crises such as AH1N1, Zika, COVID-19, and Dengue, a prominent group of former health ministers and public health academics from the region has published in...
Simply Better Brands Corp. ("SBBC" or the "Company") announces that, further to the Company's news release dated January 25, 2023, and in connection with the Branding Earnout Agreement dated January 25, 2023, the Company has issued 89,966 common...
Former Attorney General of Louisiana, Charles C. Foti, Jr., Esq., a partner at the law firm of Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC ("KSF"), announces that KSF has commenced an investigation into Chegg, Inc. .
Chegg is a publicly traded educational technology...
Today, the Biden-Harris Administration released a final rule under Section 1557, the core nondiscrimination provision of the Affordable Care Act. This groundbreaking rule marks a critical step in protecting access to health care and coverage for...
Farmmi, Inc. ("Farmmi" or the "Company") , an agriculture products supplier in China, today announced that on April 22, 2024, it received a letter from The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC ("Nasdaq"), notifying the Company that it is currently not in...