Updated September 2026
Crude Bitumen Production
Despite lower oil prices in 2025, oil sands production continued to rise, driven largely by ongoing expansions and efficiency improvements at existing projects, as well as increased market access enabled by the Trans Mountain Expansion. In 2025, total combined in situ and mined bitumen production increased by 4.5% in 2025 to 590.8 thousand cubic metres per day (103 m3/d) or 3,718.1 thousand barrels per day (103 bbl/d). In situ production increased by 6.1% to 309.9 103 m3/d or 1,950.0 103 bbl/d, while mined bitumen production increased by 2.8% to 281.0 103 m3/d or 1,768.1 103 bbl/d. In situ bitumen production accounted for 52% of total raw bitumen production and mining accounts for 48% of total raw bitumen production.
Production growth is expected to continue in 2026, supported by ongoing investment focused on expanding existing assets to take advantage of additional pipeline capacity. By 2035, total raw bitumen production is forecast to increase to 697.2 103 m3/d (4,387.5 103 bbl/d) an 18% increase relative to 2025. Future production growth is supported by improved operational efficiency, additional pipeline capacity, and supportive oil prices.
Total bitumen production in the Athabasca oil sands area increased by 3.8% in 2025 to 518.4 103 m3/d (3,262.2 103 bbl/d), accounting for 88% of production in 2025. The Athabasca region is expected to continue driving the forecast in both the near and long term.
Number of Crude Bitumen Wells (well legs)
Well counts have increased alongside rising production. The number of producing wells increased by 6.2% to 11,398 in 2025. Technological advancements over the past 10 years have improved well productivity, allowing higher production levels with fewer wells.
Bitumen Demand and Removals
Total Alberta refinery demand in 2025 (including upgraded and nonupgraded bitumen, crude oil, and pentanes plus) was 88.4 103 m3/d or 556.2 103 bbl/d. Marketable bitumen (upgraded and nonupgraded bitumen) accounted for 74.6% of the total Alberta refinery demand. The remaining marketable bitumen was removed from the province. Upgraded and nonupgraded removals are expected to increase by 2035, supported by rising production and improved pipeline takeaway capacity over the forecast period, while Alberta’s demand remains relatively stable.
Figures
Figure S3.1 shows total bitumen production by oil sands area.
Figure S3.2 shows the average daily production of raw bitumen in Alberta from surface mining and in situ projects.
Figure S3.3 shows Alberta upgraded bitumen (synthetic crude oil) production.
Figure S3.4 shows total producing bitumen wells and in situ production.
Figure S3.5 shows the in situ bitumen production by recovery method.
Figure S3.6 shows the in situ bitumen average well productivity and producing wells by recovery method.
Figure S3.7 shows the Alberta demand and disposition of upgraded (SCO) and nonupgraded bitumen.
