Ontario's gasoline supply primarily originates from crude oil refined within the province, with a significant portion processed at the refining hub in Sarnia.
How Ontario Gets Its Gasoline
Ontario's energy infrastructure relies heavily on its refining capabilities to convert raw crude oil into usable fuels like gasoline.
The Sarnia Refining Hub
Sarnia is a crucial industrial center in Ontario, serving as the major oil refining and petrochemical hub. This region is where the bulk of the province's gasoline is produced. Refineries here process crude oil through complex chemical and physical processes to yield various petroleum products, including gasoline, diesel, jet fuel, and lubricants.
Origins of Crude Oil
The crude oil feedstock for Ontario's refineries comes from a combination of domestic and international sources:
- Western Canada: A significant volume of crude oil and natural gas liquids (NGLs) is transported from Western Canadian provinces.
- North Dakota: Crude oil also arrives from the United States, specifically from North Dakota.
This vital supply is transported to Sarnia via major pipeline networks.
Key Transportation Pipelines
The transportation of crude oil and NGLs to Ontario's refining hub is facilitated by an extensive pipeline system. Notably, Enbridge's Lines 5 and 78 play a pivotal role. These lines are part of the broader Enbridge Mainline system, which is critical for moving energy resources across North America.
| Pipeline | Primary Source Regions | Capacity (Mb/d) |
|---|---|---|
| Enbridge Line 5 | Western Canada, North Dakota | 540 |
| Enbridge Line 78 | Western Canada, North Dakota | 500 |
These pipelines ensure a steady flow of crude oil, enabling Ontario's refineries to meet the provincial demand for gasoline and other refined products. For more detailed information on Ontario's energy profile, you can refer to reports from the Canadian Energy Regulator.
