Avgas shortage easing in Western Canada

An avgas shortage in Western Canada and parts of the Pacific Northwest is easing, but the company that supplies the fuel has not disclosed how long it will last. About a month ago, Imperial Oil’s Strathcona refinery near Edmonton, Alberta, ceased production of 100LL, impacting fuel sellers from Northern Ontario to the West Coast, including parts of Washington State. Most general aviation airports began restricting sales, sometimes limiting them to based aircraft. The company is also prioritizing deliveries to essential services like aerial firefighting aircraft that still use avgas.

Last week, the refinery reported having some fuel available for distribution but has not resumed full production in Edmonton. It has also not specified how long the "operational issue" behind the shortage will persist. Numerous aviation businesses, including flight schools and skydive operations, have been at least partially grounded by the shortage. Angel Flight operations in southern British Columbia were affected but did not halt medical flights. Pilots have been diverting to airports with available fuel for refueling. “We are determined to keep the service going,” spokesman Brent Bidston told CBC News. The shortage has also led to a price increase of about 35%.