The Edmonton refinery, which typically supplies fuel, will remain closed for the foreseeable future.
In response, CZBB has sourced fuel from Washington, though at a higher cost. Alpha Aviation is now able to provide fuel services to Boundary Bay-based private operators, limited to a maximum of 50 litres. They will continue to meet the fuel needs of commercial operational aircraft as required.
Additionally, their supplier has obtained the necessary certifications to secure fuel from Oregon. This certification ensures a permanent secondary supplier in the U.S. for future shortages in the Canadian market.
Esso recently identified a quality issue with a large batch of Avgas, in Canada’s only producer of Avgas fuel in Edmonon’s refinery, rendering it unsuitable for distribution. This problem emerged at a critical time, just as the summer demand for aviation fuel peaked. Esso’s quality control team discovered inconsistencies in the batch, leading to fuel performance and safety concerns. As a precautionary measure, the affected batch was withheld from the market, significantly reducing the available supply.
The timing of this quality issue is particularly problematic, as Avgas supply is often tight during the summer months, even without inventory problems. The combination of peak demand and reduced supply has led to several immediate consequences:
Recreational pilots, flight schools, and charter services are among the hardest hit, facing significant operational disruptions.
Aviation businesses in British Columbia are experiencing financial strain. Flight schools struggle to conduct training sessions, while charter services are losing business due to cancelled flights.
The shortage has raised safety concerns among pilots who may need to fly longer distances to refuel, increasing the risk of fuel exhaustion. The aviation community is on high alert, emphasizing the importance of planning and fuel management.
Efforts are underway to secure Avgas from alternative suppliers in Canada and internationally. This includes exploring options to import fuel from the United States and other countries.
Aviation regulators are considering temporary measures to support the industry, such as extending the validity of certain certifications and relaxing some operational restrictions to provide flexibility to affected operators.
Industry associations work closely with Esso and government agencies to ensure clear communication and coordinated efforts. The aviation community is being provided with regular updates on the status of Avgas availability and guidance for managing the shortage.
The current Avgas shortage underscores the vulnerabilities in the supply chain, particularly during periods of peak demand. While Esso works diligently to resolve the quality issues and restore supply, the situation remains fluid. The aviation community in British Columbia continues to adapt to the challenges, demonstrating resilience and cooperation in navigating this crisis.
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