Imperial's Western Canada fuel shortages to continue

CALGARY, Alberta, March 6 (Reuters) - Imperial Oil Ltd (IMO.TO: Quote, Profile, Research) said on Thursday it expects fuel shortages for its customers in Western Canada to continue as it works to repair its 187,000 barrel per day Strathcona refinery near Edmonton, Alberta.

Imperial spokesman Gordon Wong said the company is apportioning supplies to its 532 Esso-branded stations and commercial customers in the region but is "unlikely to be able to meet all our customer's requirements."

Output at the refinery has been reduced since last month, when unspecified problems cut production. The company cannot yet say when repairs will be complete. (Reporting by Scott Haggett; Editing by Peter Galloway)