Petroleum Refining in Canada - Market Research Report (2013-2028)
New York, United States
Last Updated: September 2023
NAICS 32411CARevenue
$104.7bn
Past 5-Year Growth
Profit
$X.Xbn
Employees
8,729
Businesses
11
Wages
$XXX.Xm
Petroleum Refining in Canada industry analysis
Revenue for the Canadian Petroleum Refining industry has been volatile. Crude oil is the primary input into industry products, and therefore, its price is the primary driver of industry revenue. A subsequent price recovery in 2017 after plummet the previous year helped the industry rebound by double-digits during the following two-year period. However, the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting collapse in oil prices in 2020 drove refinancing revenue down during the year. Following the pandemic peak, high demand, coupled with ongoing supply chain disruptions, led crude oil prices to spike sharply, translating into a industry revenue boom in 2021 and 2022. Overall, industry revenue is forecast to rise at a CAGR of 4.0% to $104.7 billion over the five years to 2023. In 2023, tempering oil prices are forecast to produce a revenue contraction of 12.0% for the industry.Like volatile revenue, the industry's profitability has tracked changes in oil prices. The COVID-19 pandemic placed downward pressure on fuel demand since many people delayed travel. The shift in travel behaviours cause demand to plummet, especially from downstream transportation markets. In 2020, refinery profits hit a five-year low, averaging just 5.7% across the industry. However, the surge in demand that followed has led to an industry-wide profit improvement, even as higher crude oil prices have raised purchase costs. The highly concentrated industry's structure has, meanwhile, remained largely unaltered. The first new domestic refinery in years was opened in Alberta in late 2018.The industry is projected to contract slowly as global oil prices continue to temper. While an expanding domestic economy will prompt increased consumer spending and manufacturing output, refinancing revenue will decline in line with crude oil prices. Accordingly, industry revenue is forecast to contract at a CAGR of 0.3% to $103.2 billion over the five years to 2023. However, volatility is likely to intercede given global upheaval. In 2022, the Canadian government announced a ban on imports of crude oil from Russia in response to that country's invasion of Ukraine. This mirrored President Biden's announced ban on Russian oil imports, which includes Russian oil, liquefied natural gas and coal.
Trends and Insights
- Refining revenue has mirrored volatility in crude oil prices. Following a sharp downturn at the height of the pandemic, the world price of crude oil shot up to new highs.
- Conventional gasoline is the most demanded petroleum product. Gasoline has many uses, but its primary use is in passenger vehicles.
- Alberta is the leading location for refineries. The region is home to most of Canada’s oil sands deposits, which are moved downstream to be processed by refineries.
- Price is the main basis of competition in this industry. Refineries compete to obtain inexpensive crude oil, as it is the primary input for all refined petroleum products.
Industry Overview
Market size and recent performance (2013-2028)
Industry revenue has grown at a CAGR of 4.0 % over the past five years, to reach an estimated $104.7bn in 2023.
Trends and Insights
Price fluctuations drive revenue trends
- Industry revenue sharply increased in 2017 to 2018 as the world price of oil rebounded, resulting from of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) curbing production levels.
- Additional trends and insights available with purchase
Source: IBISWorld
Industry outlook (2024-2029)
Market size is projected to decline over the next five years.
Trends and Insights
Tempering oil prices will reduce refinery revenue
- World oil production is projected to increase as companies attempt to slowly raise prices by limiting supply. Meanwhile, industrial capacity utilization will grow, bolstering domestic output.
Biggest companies in the Petroleum Refining in Canada
| Company | Market Share (%)
2023 | Revenue ($m)
2023 | Profit ($m)
2023 | Profit Margin (%)
2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Imperial Oil | 22,825.8 | 2,867.3 | 12.6 | |
Shell Canada | 13,848.0 | 634.9 | 4.6 | |
Suncor | 12,224.2 | 1,563.4 | 12.8 |
To view the market share and analysis for all 5 top companies in this industry, view purchase options.
Products & Services Segmentation
Source: IBISWorld
Industry revenue is measured across several distinct product and services lines, including Gasoline, Diesel fuel and Fuel oils. Gasoline is the largest segment of the Petroleum Refining in Canada.
Trends and Insights
Conventional gasoline is the most demanded and valuable refined petroleum product
- Gasoline is the primary fuel source for most passenger cars. Passenger cars contain gasoline engines that generate power by igniting premixed fuel and air.
- More insights available in the full report
Widen you competitive advantage with related industries
Competitors
- Renewable Power in Canada
Complementors
- Oil Drilling & Gas Extraction in Canada
- Asphalt Manufacturing in Canada
- Lubricant Oil Manufacturing in Canada
- Petrochemical Manufacturing in Canada
International industries
- Petroleum Refining in the US
- Petroleum Refining and Petroleum Fuel Manufacturing in Australia
- Petroleum Refining in the UK
- Oil & Petroleum Refining in China
Table of Contents
About this industry
Industry definition
This industry refines crude petroleum through fracking and distillation to produce gasoline, diesel fuels and other fuel oils.
What's included in this industry?
Production of gasolineProduction of diesel fuelsProduction of fuel oilProduction of aviation fuelProduction of heating oilProduction of liquefied petroleum gasesCompanies
Imperial OilShell CanadaSuncorPurchase this report to view all 5 major companies in this industry.
Related Terms
IN SITUVISCOSITYREFINING MARGINBARRELIndustry Code
NAICS 324110 - Petroleum Refining in Canada
Performance
Get an indication of the industry's health through historical, current and forward-looking trends in the performance indicators that make or break businesses.
Analyst insights
Refining revenue has mirrored volatility in crude oil prices. Following a sharp downturn at the height of the pandemic, the world price of crude oil shot up to new highs.
In this chapter (4)
- Current Performance
- Outlook
- Volatility
- Life Cycle
Key metrics
- Annual Revenue, Recent Growth, Forecast, Revenue Volatility
- Number of Employees, Recent Growth, Forecast, Employees per Business, Revenue per Employee
- Number of Businesses, Recent Growth, Forecast, Employees per Business, Revenue per Business
- Total Profit, Profit Margin, Profit per Business
Charts
- Revenue, including historical (2013-2022) and forecast (2023-2028)
- Employees, including historical (2013-2022) and forecast (2023-2028)
- Businesses, including historical (2013-2022) and forecast (2023-2028)
- Profit, including historical (2013-2023)
- Industry Volatility vs. Revenue Growth
- Industry Life Cycle
Detailed analysis
- Trends in supply, demand and current events that are driving current industry performance
- Expected trends, economic factors and ongoing events that drive the industry's outlook
- Key success factors for businesses to overcome volatility
- How contribution to GDP, industry saturation, innovation, consolidation, and technology and systems influence the industry's life cycle phase.
Products and Markets
Learn about an industry's products and services, markets and trends in international trade.
Analyst insight
Conventional gasoline is the most demanded petroleum product. Gasoline has many uses, but its primary use is in passenger vehicles.
In this chapter
- Products & Services
- Major Markets
- International Trade
Key metrics
- Largest market segment and value in 2023
- Product innovation level
- Total imports, level and trend
- Total exports, level and trend
- Trade Balance
Charts
- Products & services segmentation in 2023
- Major market segmentation in 2023
- International trade, including imports by country and exports by country
Detailed analysis
- Trends impacting the recent performance of the industry's various segments
- Innovations in the industry's product or service offering, specialization or delivery method
- Key factors that successful businesses consider in their offerings
- Buying segments and key trends influencing demand for industry products and services
- Recent trends in import and export volumes, country of origin or destination, and expected future trends
Geographic Breakdown
Discover where business activity is most concentrated in an industry and the factors driving these trends to find opportunities and conduct regional benchmarking.
Analyst insights
Alberta is the leading location for refineries. The region is home to most of Canada’s oil sands deposits, which are moved downstream to be processed by refineries.
In this chapter (1)
- Business Locations
Charts
- Share of revenue, establishment, wages and employment in each province
- Share of population compared to establishments in each region in 2023
Tables
- Number and share of establishments in each province in 2023
- Number and share of revenue each province accounts for in 2023
- Number and share of wages each province accounts for in 2023
- Number and share of employees in each province in 2023
Detailed analysis
- Geographic spread of the industry across North America, and trends associated with changes in the business landscape
- Key success factors for businesses to use location to their advantage
Competitive Forces
Get data and insights on what's driving competition in an industry and the challenges industry operators and new entrants may face, with analysis built around Porter's Five Forces framework.
Analyst insights
Price is the main basis of competition in this industry. Refineries compete to obtain inexpensive crude oil, as it is the primary input for all refined petroleum products.
In this chapter (4)
- Concentration
- Barriers to Entry
- Substitutes
- Buyer & Supplier Analysis
Key metrics
- Industry concentration level
- Industry competition level and trend
- Barriers to entry level and trend
- Substitutes level and trend
- Buyer power level and trend
- Supplier power level and trend
Charts
- Market share concentration among the top 4 suppliers from 2018-2023
- Supply chain including upstream supplying industries and downstream buying industries, flow chart
Detailed analysis
- Factors impacting the industry’s level of concentration, such as business distribution, new entrants, or merger and acquisition activity.
- Key success factors for businesses to manage the competitive environment of the industry.
- Challenges that potential industry entrants face such as legal, start-up costs, differentiation, labor/capital intensity and capital expenses.
- Key success factors for potential entrants to overcome barriers to entry.
- Competitive threats from potential substitutes for the industry’s own products and services.
- Key success factors for how successful businesses can compete with substitutes.
- Advantages that buyers have to keep favorable purchasing conditions.
- Advantages that suppliers have to maintain favorable selling conditions.
- Key success factors for how businesses can navigate buyer and supplier power.
Companies
Learn about the performance of the top companies in the industry.
Analyst insights
Imperial Oil is the largest company in Canada. Like all the largest players, the company has comprehensive operations across the oil and gas supply chain.
In this chapter
- Market Share Concentration
- Companies
- Company Spotlights
Charts
- Industry market share by company in 2019 through 2023
- Major companies in the industry, including market share, revenue, profit and profit margin in 2023
- Overview of Imperial Oil's performance by revenue, market share and profit margin from 2017 through 2023
- Overview of Shell Canada's performance by revenue, market share and profit margin from 2017 through 2023
- Overview of Suncor's performance by revenue, market share and profit margin from 2017 through 2023
- Overview of revenue, market share and profit margin trend for 2 additional companies
Detailed analysis
- Description and key data for Imperial Oil, and factors influencing its performance in the industry
- Description and key data for Shell Canada, and factors influencing its performance in the industry
- Description and key data for Suncor, and factors influencing its performance in the industry
- Description, key data and performance trends for 2 additional companies
External Environment
Understand the demographic, economic and regulatory factors that shape how businesses in an industry perform.
Analyst insights
There is extensive regulation of oil production and refinement in Canada. Environment and Climate Change Canada leverage a number of regulations to ensure air and water quali...
In this chapter
- External Drivers
- Regulation & Policy
- Assistance
Key metrics
- Regulation & policy level and trend
- Assistance level and trend
Charts
- Regulation & Policy historical data and forecast (2013-2028)
- Assistance historical data and forecast (2013-2028)
Detailed analysis
- Demographic and macroeconomic factors influencing the industry, including Regulation & Policy and Assistance
- Major types of regulations, regulatory bodies, industry standards or specific regulations impacting requirements for industry operators
- Key governmental and non-governmental groups or policies that may provide some relief for industry operators.
Financial Benchmarks
View average costs for industry operators and compare financial data against an industry's financial benchmarks over time.
Analyst insights
Purchase costs account for the largest share of industry revenue. Crude oil is an essential component of all refined petroleum products. Refiners typically purchase different...
In this chapter
- Cost Structure
- Financial Ratios
- Key Ratios
Key metrics
- Profit margin, and how it compares to the sector-wide margin
- Average wages, and how it compares to the sector-wide average wage
- Largest cost component as a percentage of revenue
- Industry average ratios for days' receivables, industry coverage and debt-to-net-worth ratio
Charts
- Average industry operating costs as a share of revenue, including purchases, wages, depreciation, utilities, rent, other costs and profit in 2023
- Average sector operating costs as a share of revenue, including purchases, wages, depreciation, utilities, rent, other costs and profit in 2023
- Investment vs. share of economy
Data tables
- Liquidity Ratios (2016-2021)
- Coverage Ratios (2016-2021)
- Leverage Ratios (2016-2021)
- Operating Ratios (2016-2021)
- Assets (2016-2021)
- Liabilities (2016-2021)
- Cash Flow & Debt Service Ratios (2013-2028)
- Revenue per Employee (2013-2028)
- Revenue per Enterprise (2013-2028)
- Employees per Establishment (2013-2028)
- Employees per Enterprise (2013-2028)
- Average Wage (2013-2028)
- Wages/Revenue (2013-2028)
- Establishments per Enterprise (2013-2028)
- IVA/Revenue (2013-2028)
- Imports/Demand (2013-2028)
- Exports/Revenue (2013-2028)
Detailed analysis
- Trends in the cost component for industry operators and their impact on industry costs and profitability
Key Statistics
Industry Data
Data Tables
Including values and annual change:
- Revenue (2013-2028)
- IVA (2013-2028)
- Establishments (2013-2028)
- Enterprises (2013-2028)
- Employment (2013-2028)
- Exports (2013-2028)
- Imports (2013-2028)
- Wages (2013-2028)
Methodology
How are IBISWorld reports created?
IBISWorld has been a leading provider of trusted industry research for over 50 years to the most successful companies worldwide. With offices in Australia, the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany and China, we are proud to have local teams of analysts that conduct research, data analysis and forecasting to produce data-driven industry reports.
Our analysts start with official, verified and publicly available sources of data to build the most accurate picture of each industry. Analysts then leverage their expertise and knowledge of the local markets to synthesize trends into digestible content for IBISWorld readers. Finally, each report is reviewed by one of IBISWorld’s editors, who provide quality assurance to ensure accuracy and readability.
IBISWorld relies on human-verified data and human-written analysis to compile each standard industry report. We do not use generative AI tools to write insights, although members can choose to leverage AI-based tools within the platform to generate additional analysis formats.
What data sources do IBISWorld analysts use?
Each industry report incorporates data and research from government databases, industry-specific sources, industry contacts, and our own proprietary database of statistics and analysis to provide balanced, independent and accurate insights.
Key data sources in Canada include:
- Statistics Canada
- Industry Canada
- Canadian Business Patterns
Analysts also use industry specific sources to complement catch-all sources, although their perspective may focus on a particular organization or representative body, rather than a clear overview of all industry operations. However, when balanced against other perspectives, industry-specific sources provide insights into industry trends.
These sources include:
- Industry and trade associations
- Industry federations or regulators
- Major industry players annual or quarterly filings
Finally, IBISWorld’s global data scientists maintain a proprietary database of macroeconomic and demand drivers, which our analysts use to help inform industry data and trends. They also maintain a database of statistics and analysis on thousands of industries, which has been built over our more than 50-year history and offers comprehensive insights into long-term trends.
How does IBISWorld forecast its data?
IBISWorld’s analysts and data scientists use the sources above to create forecasts for our proprietary datasets and industry statistics. Depending on the dataset, they may use regression analysis, multivariate analysis, time-series analysis or exponential smoothing techniques to project future data for the industry or driver. Additionally, analysts will leverage their local knowledge of industry operating and regulatory conditions to impart their best judgment on the forecast model.
IBISWorld prides itself on being a trusted, independent source of data, with over 50 years of experience building and maintaining rich datasets and forecasting tools. We are proud to be the keystone source of industry information for thousands of companies across the world.
Learn more about our methodology and data sourcing on the Help Center.
Frequently Asked Questions
Unlock comprehensive answers and precise data upon purchase. View purchase options.
What is the market size of the Petroleum Refining industry in Canada in 2024?
The market size of the Petroleum Refining industry in Canada is $104.7bn in 2024.
How many businesses are there in the Petroleum Refining in Canada industry in 2023?
There are 11 businesses in the Petroleum Refining industry in Canada, which has grown at a CAGR of 1.9 % between 2018 and 2023.
Has the Petroleum Refining industry in Canada grown or declined over the past 5 years?
The market size of the Petroleum Refining industry in Canada has been growing at a CAGR of 4.0 % between 2018 and 2023.
What is the forecast growth of the Petroleum Refining industry in Canada over the next 5 years?
Over the next five years, the Petroleum Refining industry in Canada is expected to decline.
What are the biggest companies in the Petroleum Refining market in Canada?
The biggest companies operating in the Petroleum Refining market in Canada are Imperial Oil, Shell Canada and Suncor
What does the Petroleum Refining in Canada include?
Production of gasoline and Production of diesel fuels are part of the Petroleum Refining industry.
Which companies have the highest market share in the Petroleum Refining in Canada?
The company holding the most market share in Canada is Imperial Oil.
How competitive is the Petroleum Refining industry in Canada?
The level of competition is high and steady in the Petroleum Refining industry in Canada.
