Burnaby refinery maintaining fuel supply as Trans Mountain remains closed

Photo: The Canadian Press

Construction of the Trans Mountain Pipeline is pictured near Hope, B.C., Monday, Oct. 18, 2021. The precautionary shut down of the Trans Mountain pipeline continues, but British Columbia's gasoline supply is secure for now. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jonathan Hayward

The Trans Mountain pipeline remains idled due to flooding, but British Columbia's gasoline supply is secure for now.

Up to 40 per cent of gasoline sold in B.C. normally arrives in the province as a refined product through the Trans Mountain pipeline.

The pipeline was shut down Sunday due to flooding and extreme weather. Trans Mountain Corporation says it's making every effort to restart the pipeline as soon as possible.

However, gasoline is also produced in B.C. at Parkland Corporation's Burnaby refinery. Parkland says it is maintaining supply to its network of retail service stations, and operating the refinery using existing crude oil inventories.

Gasoline is also entering B.C. from Washington state.

Some residents in communities affected by road washouts are experiencing long lines at gas stations and interruptions in supply. But experts say this should be temporary as floodwaters recede.