Crude-by-rail exports are rebounding after a drastic drop in 2020 due to COVID and other factors

News Release
For Immediate Release

February 26, 2021 – Canada Energy Regulator

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

Associated Links

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.

Contacts

Karen Ryhorchuk
Communications Officer
Canada Energy Regulator
Email: media@cer-rec.gc.ca
Telephone: 403-671-9756
Telephone: 403-292-4800
Telephone (toll free): 1-800-899-1265
Facsimile: 403-292-5503
Facsimile (toll free): 1-877-288-8803

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