Processing capacity at the Co-op Refinery Complex (CRC) in Regina, Sask., is improving, with the refinery now able to process 90,000 barrels per day (BPD) through the optimization of available units.

Capacity was reduced to 60,000 BPD following a Dec. 24 explosion and fire at the refinery complex, which normally processes 130,000 BPD.

“We will continue to operate at this level until repairs can be made to the damaged units,” said Gil Le Dressay, Federated Co-operatives Limited (FCL) Vice-President of Refinery Operations. “It is still too early in the assessment process to determine a timeline for the return to full production.

“There are many people to thank for helping us with this situation. This includes the extraordinary efforts of CRC response teams, who mitigated and limited damages at the time of the incident, and those of employees who have secured additional supplies and made process and mechanical adjustments since the incident.”

The investigation into the cause of the incident, which damaged a unit used to manufacture gasoline from propane and butane, is being led by Regina Fire and Protective Services. Investigators are on site and CRC personnel are co-operating fully with investigators as they move from the least-damaged areas to the most damaged. Regina Fire and Protective Services have described the investigation as complex and early estimates are that a report into causation may take up to one year.

With additional supplies secured, FCL does not expect any shortages or restrictions to gasoline or diesel sales at retail co-operatives across Western Canada.

About CO-OP

In the early 20th century, people worked together to create retail co-operatives in many towns in the four western Canadian provinces (Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta and British Columbia). In 1928, these retail co-ops joined to form provincial wholesale co-operatives. They did this as a way to increase their buying power. These co-operative wholesales and Co-op Refinery Complex in Regina, Saskatchewan joined together to form Federated Co-operatives Limited.
Federated Co-operatives Limited (FCL) is a multi-faceted organization that is based on the principles of co-operation. It is owned by approximately 225 retail co-ops located throughout Western Canada. These co-ops are the "member-owners" of FCL. FCL provides central wholesaling, manufacturing, marketing and administrative services to its member-owners.

See the site of Regina refinery