Imperial Oil Limited was founded in 1880 by a group of refiners in southwestern Ontario, Canada. Over more than 140 years, it has grown to become one of the country’s largest integrated oil companies. Headquartered in Calgary, Alberta, Imperial Oil’s operations span the entire oil and gas value chain, including exploration, production, refining, and marketing. The company markets its products under well-known brands such as Esso and Mobil, serving customers across Canada.
Imperial Oil’s core operations are concentrated in the upstream sector, with significant oil sands projects in Alberta, including the Kearl and Cold Lake developments. It also holds a substantial stake in Syncrude Canada, one of the largest oil sands operations in the world. On the downstream side, Imperial owns and operates major refineries located in Strathcona, Sarnia, and Nanticoke, producing a wide range of petroleum products for both domestic consumption and export markets.
The company’s operations are primarily focused in Canada, where it plays a key role in the country’s energy industry. Its extensive infrastructure and integrated model enable it to extract, process, and distribute petroleum products efficiently. Imperial Oil is majority-owned by ExxonMobil, which has contributed to its technical expertise and access to global resources.
Imperial Oil has pursued growth through investments in oil sands recovery and refining capabilities. The company is also advancing projects like the Strathcona renewable diesel facility near Edmonton, signaling a move toward diversifying its energy portfolio. These efforts reflect Imperial Oil’s ongoing commitment to adapt to the evolving energy landscape while maintaining its core strengths in oil and gas.