Canada Posts Record Crude Oil Production Amid Global Demand Boost

Canada's energy sector posted broad-based growth this spring, led by record crude oil production and stronger oil sands output. According to new data from Statistics Canada, primary energy production rose 2.7% compared with May 2025, with gains in five of six major energy sectors.

Crude oil production climbed nine percent to 25.8 million cubic meters, the highest volume recorded for the month of May since comparable records began in 2016. Oil sands operations led the increase, with extraction rising 12.4% to 16.4 million cubic meters.

Production of synthetic crude oil jumped 31.8%, as most upgraders avoided the spring maintenance shutdowns typically seen at this time of year. Crude bitumen production also increased 3.5%. Conventional oil production outside the oil sands rose 5.1%, driven largely by higher offshore production in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Statistics Canada attributed the stronger crude oil production to continued supply constraints in the Middle East, which helped keep global oil demand and prices elevated. Natural gas production also reached a record for the month of May, increasing two percent to 708.8 million gigajoules.