Oil and gas extraction industry: Volume and value of marketable production

Crude oil and equivalent production rose 1.6% in 2001, primarily because of higher deliveries to domestic refineries. Synthetic crude oil production (including crude bitumen) has increased solidly in the last 10 years; in 2001 it accounted for 29.5% of total crude oil and equivalent production, compared with 20.9% in 1991. Exports of crude oil and equivalent fell slightly in 2001, down 0.7% from 2000. Natural gas production rose 2.1% to 171.4 billion cubic metres, as a result of sustained demand from the United States.

The value of crude oil and equivalent hydrocarbons produced in 2001 totalled an estimated $25.2 billion, down from $30.5 billion in 2000. This sharp 17.5% drop was attributable to lower wellhead prices in 2001. The value of natural gas production was estimated at $33.7 billion in 2001, up 21.0% from 2000, largely as a result of continuing strong wellhead prices.

The 2001 issue of the Oil and gas extraction industry (26-213-XIB, $22) will be available in October.

For general information or to order data, contact the dissemination officer (1-866-873-8789; 613-951-9497; energ@statcan.gc.ca). To enquire about the concepts, methods or data quality of this release, contact Gary Smalldridge (613-951-3567; gary.smalldridge@statcan.gc.ca) or John Svab (613-951-7382; john.svab@statcan.gc.ca), Manufacturing, Construction and Energy Division.