The Decibel The pressure is on for Canada to meet growing energy demand
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May 8, 2026 
Emma Graney, energy reporter at The Globe and Mail who covers oil, gas and energy markets, walks through how global shipping shifts and Strait of Hormuz disruptions have rerouted flows. She highlights rising North American exports to Asia, strains on pipelines and terminals, pressure to speed approvals, coast-to-coast shipping limits, and what this scramble means for infrastructure and the energy transition.
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Global Oil Reroute Boosted North American Exports
- The Strait of Hormuz closures removed about 20% of global oil and gas and redirected demand to North America.
- US exports hit a record 6.4 million barrels/day in April and Vancouver exports rose 60% versus February, per Vortexa data.
US Versus Canada Destination Shifts Differ
- North American export destinations shifted sharply: US exports moved from Europe to Asia while Canada already exported mostly to Asia.
- In April the US sent half its crude to Asia vs 30% pre-war; Canada went from 76% to 80% to Asia.
Pipeline Capacity Is Full And Spot Space Is Scarce
- Trans Mountain expansion increased West Coast capacity from 300,000 to 890,000 barrels/day and is over 90% full.
- Producers compete for spot pipeline capacity versus long-term contracted capacity, straining available throughput.