Canada’s main oil-producing province of Alberta on Feb. 28 raised the amount of crude that companies can produce in April to 3.66 million barrels per day (MMbbl/d), an increase of 100,000 bbl/d from the limit imposed in January.
Late last year congestion on oil export pipelines backed up crude in storage tanks and sent crude prices in the province tumbling to record lows. The slump prompted the Alberta government to mandate temporary production cuts effective Jan. 1 that took 325,000 bbl/d out of the market.
The province is now raising the limit because the amount of oil in storage is shrinking and prices are stronger, Alberta premier Rachel Notley said in a statement. Pipeline transportation capacity could also increase because less diluent, used to help viscous heavy crude flow, is needed as the weather warms up.
“The decision to temporarily limit production was applied fairly and equitably, and our plan is working to stop allowing our resource to be sold for pennies on the dollar,” Notley said.
The discount on Canadian crude versus U.S. barrels has narrowed dramatically. On Feb. 28, the benchmark heavy grade Western Canada Select for March delivery in Hardisty, Alberta, last traded at $12.65 per barrel below U.S. crude, according to brokers Net Energy. Last October the discount was more than $50 per barrel.
Production for February and March was set at 3.63 MMbbl/d, adding 75,000 bbl/d from the January limit. The latest adjustment means producers can increase output by another 25,000 bbl/d in April.
The oil cuts averted disaster for many small producers that were selling crude in some cases below cost but were unpopular with some larger companies like Husky Energy and Suncor Energy that had benefited from running cheap crude through their refineries.
Curtailments do not apply to small companies producing less than 10,000 bbl/d.
Recommended Reading
Kissler: Will Tariffs Continue to Drive Energy Markets?
2025-06-15 - Even as trade concerns ease, geopolitical tensions are still a risk.
Oil Prices Jump Nearly 9% after Israel's Strikes on Iran
2025-06-13 - Following Israeli attacks on Iran, analysts said the primary concern was possible affects on the Strait of Hormuz, through which up to 19 MMbbl/d of oil, condensate and fuel are transported.
Atlantic Shores Closes Curtain on 1.5-GW Offshore Wind Farm
2025-06-10 - The project’s termination follows several moves made by the Trump administration that “dismantle the domestic offshore wind industry,” environmental group BlueGreen Alliance said.
Phillips 66 Leans into Midstream Growth Despite Elliott Activism
2025-06-10 - Phillips 66 grew its midstream segment so much that activist investor Elliott Management pushed to splinter the company—but the refining giant sees gold in moving NGLs.
Financiers: ESG May be ‘Woke Capitalism’ But Keep an Eye on It
2025-06-09 - Capital providers including EnCap Flatrock Midstream worry the cost of inaction is great while Quantum Capital Group warns that the next Democratic president could be “worse than the last.”