Geopolitical Energy Volatility Reaches North America’s Crude Grid?: the real signal is the immediate adjustment required in cash, risk, and execution
Decision Lens
In Q1 2026, Enbridge’s Mainline liquids network averaged record throughput of 3.2 million barrels per day. The company attributed this high-utilization figure in part to intensifying geopolitical disruption—conflict involving Iran and supply instability from Venezuela—that has made North American crude a preferred option for global markets. On May 8, Enbridge launched binding open seasons for Mainline Optimization Phase 2, a program designed to add capacity to the system. Taken together, the record volumes and the formal expansion commitment indicate that infrastructure operators are treating current demand levels as durable rather than cyclical.
Sources
- Enbridge — Stable, secure North American energy: Enbridge continues to advance Mainline Optimization liquids initiative (Link)
