Many customers have indicated uncertainty over the pace of development in Fort McMurray," he said. "We will be working closely with them to determine the time to go ahead." So far, oilsands' production rates haven't kept pace with expectations because of delays in completing new projects, causing planning problems for pipeline firms and refiners. Now, several new oilsands' projects have been postponed as companies due to the impact of lower crude prices and increased capital costs, meaning output predictions could be scaled back even further. To be profitable, oilsands' projects currently require crude oil prices of around $85-$90/brl; recently, crude prices have dropped from $140 to $66/brl. Nevertheless, most mines and steam-extraction facilities are still expected to be built and, as a result, pipelines such as the Keystone expansion are needed to get that new output to refineries, Kvisle said. A lack of pipelines means most oilsands' output can only reach Canada and the US Midwest, saturating markets there and pushing down prices. Producers are keen to get their crude to the Gulf Coast, the world's largest refining hub, which currently receives about 70,000brl/d of Albertan production. TransCanada is already building the $5.2-billion Keystone pipeline, which will carry 590,000brl/d from Hardisty, AB, to refinery hubs in Illinois and Oklahoma, beginning in 2009. The expansion to the Gulf Coast will take an additional 500,000brl/d to refineries in Houston and Port Arthur, TX. As well as the confirmed supplies and the possible construction delay, TransCanada said it has increased its stake in Keystone and the expansion as its partner, ConocoPhillips of Houston has reduced its share from 50% to 20.1%: TransCanada now has 79.9% of the pipeline, although shippers will have an option to take a 15% stake.