Overview
Production limits were introduced in January 2019 to align production with export capacity, protecting the value of the province’s oil by helping prevent Canadian crude from selling at large discounts. The limits were intended as a short-term measure, but ongoing delays to pipeline projects led to the curtailment policy being extended through December 2021, but no monthly oil production limits have been in effect since December 2020.
The policy will be allowed to expire on December 31, as oil production has reached pre-pandemic levels, but is within export capacity. Storage levels are also expected to remain within the normal range of operations.
- News release - Curtailment policy expiring: Minister Savage (December 9, 2021)
Production limits timeline
| Month | Production limit status | Total of million barrels per day |
|---|---|---|
| January 2019 | Established | 3.56 |
| February 2019 | Increased | 3.63 |
| April 2019 | Increased | 3.66 |
| May 2019 | Increased | 3.68 |
| June 2019 | Increased | 3.71 |
| August 2019 | Increased | 3.74 |
| September 2019 | Increased | 3.76 |
| October 2019 | Increased | 3.79 |
| November 2019 | Increased | 3.8 |
| December 2019 | Increased | 3.81 |
| January – November 2020 | Maintained | 3.81 |
| December 2020 | No production limit | - |
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