CALGARY, March 7, 2018 /CNW/ - Imperial has made
significant progress towards resolving a potential fuel quality
issue in aviation gasoline (sometimes referred to as "avgas" or
"100 low lead") shipped from Strathcona refinery since Dec. 28, 2017.
Imperial has identified all locations that received potentially
off-spec product and has completed close to all of the testing at
those sites. At this point, approximately 70% of the sites tested
have been confirmed as fit-for-use.
We have also been working around the clock to secure alternative
supplies from across North
America. These efforts have been successful and we believe
our supply of avgas to customers will normalize by the end of the
month.
"This has been a challenging situation and we appreciate all of
the patience, understanding and co-operation we have received from
our customers, their resellers and from end-users," said
Jon Wetmore, Vice-President Imperial
Downstream. "We recognize this situation has significantly
disrupted the avgas flying community and we apologize for
this."
Our investigation into the cause of the issue is progressing.
The refinery and our research team are working around the clock to
solve the problem, and begin manufacturing avgas again as soon
as possible.
We continue to encourage end-users to stay informed about
Transport Canada NOTAM instructions.
After more than a century, Imperial continues to be an
industry leader in applying technology and innovation to
responsibly develop Canada's
energy resources. As Canada's
largest petroleum refiner, a major producer of crude oil, a key
petrochemical producer and a leading fuels marketer from coast to
coast, our company remains committed to high standards across all
areas of our business.
SOURCE Imperial Oil Limited