Crude oil storage levels reached a critical inflection point in 2026, shifting from the multi-decade highs observed during the early years of the pandemic to historic multi-decade lows due to severe geopolitical supply shocks. The near-total closure of the Strait of Hormuz in early 2026 removed approximately 15 million barrels per day of global supply, making storage indicators one of the most important drivers of short-term crude oil pricing. At the same time, a significant disconnect remains between declining physical inventories and paper futures markets, increasing the need for accurate and timely inventory intelligence.
Crude oil inventory and pipeline flow data are critical for supporting departmental analysis and briefings, as well as monitoring energy supply and security. To better understand North American oil markets and inform policy decisions, Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) requires greater visibility into Canadian crude oil inventories and pipeline flows. Specifically, the department requires weekly reports on crude oil inventory levels in Canada's main storage areas, as well as daily and near-real-time pipeline flow data within Canada and for exports to the United States.
The work will involve monitoring crude oil inventory levels in tank farms and underground caverns in the Edmonton, Heartland, Hardisty, and Kerrobert areas. The vendor will be required to provide NRCan with weekly reports on crude oil inventory levels in Canada's main storage areas. For oil pipelines, the vendor will provide daily reports, historical data, and online portal access to near-real-time pipeline flow data, updated at least every 30 minutes, for flows within Canada and exports to the United States. The vendor will also provide early warning of pipeline flow interruptions and shutdowns.
