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Imperial apportions product to customers in response to current Ontario supply
situation
| Calgary, AB,
February 21, 2007
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As a result of very tight industry supply, unexpected operating events and
transportation challenges, Imperial has had to apportion supply of distillate
fuel and gasoline to its customers in Ontario over the next few weeks.
The supply situation in the Ontario market for distillate and gasoline has
been very tight as a result of recent industry refinery operating incidents,
restrictions in marine access due to cold weather and the CN rail strike.
Against this backdrop, Imperial has experienced unanticipated operating
problems at its Ontario refineries, including a recent fire at the Nanticoke
refinery. Damage from the fire is currently under repair and Nanticoke is
expected to resume production next week at reduced operating rates.
As a result of the apportionment, there will be instances of outages at
Imperial's Esso retail sites in many markets throughout Ontario. Outages may
be short lived and rotating but some locations will be out of product for
longer periods. Diesel supply to commercial customers will also be limited but
fuel for home heat customers is adequate to meet demand.
Imperial is coordinating deliveries to commercial and retail customers to
ensure priority needs such as emergency services, home heating customers and
other critical demands are met. Extensive efforts with trading partners and
transport carriers are underway to secure additional supply.
Imperial has notified Ontario and federal government officials and is keeping
them informed of the situation.
Imperial recognizes the
severity of this event and the impact to customers. All efforts are being made
to resolve the current situation as quickly as possible.
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