Oil Sands Slowdown Could Take Pressure Off Gas Output Decline

摘要

Concerns that Alberta's expanding oil sands operations might consume natural gas supplies needed for higher-value markets elsewhere seem to be diminishing.Plunging oil prices have prompted sponsors of one project after another to announce a slowdown in plans for development or expansion.Some have cited the overheated cost structure in northern Alberta,where prices for everything from truck tires to labor has soared to several multiples of levels seen five years ago,to a surplus of upgrading capacity that outstrips the supply of bitumen to feed costly plants to a combination of both.