Suncor Energy Inc. reported that production at its oil sands facility during August averaged approximately 260,000 barrels per day (bpd). Year-to-date oil sands production at the end of August averaged approximately 221,000 bpd.

While total production volumes are at expected rates, the proportion of sweet (low-sulphur) crude oil products was lower than planned during the month due to an unscheduled shutdown of a plant which supplies a portion of the hydrogen used to remove sulphur from synthetic crude oil and diesel fuel.

The expected duration of the repairs to the hydrogen plant is being assessed, but Suncor currently expects work to be completed in the fourth quarter of 2008. The proportion of low-sulphur crude oil and diesel production will continue to be impacted during the period of the shutdown, but the outlook for annual average production volumes of 240,000 to 250,000 barrels per day is not currently expected to change. The company’s annual outlook, including product mix and volumes, will be reviewed and updated as necessary when Suncor’s third quarter results are released on October 29, 2008.

Tags: Suncor Energy