The Canada Energy Regulator (CER) has six remaining leave-to-open applications to review for the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion project, Reuters reported on Friday, April 26, citing a CER spokesperson on Friday.

The government-owned pipeline expansion will nearly triple the flow of crude from Alberta to Canada's Pacific Coast, opening up access to Asian and U.S. West Coast markets. Leave-to-open approvals from the regulator signify permission for specific pipeline sections to begin operating.

With construction delays and cost overruns in the past, oil market participants are closely monitoring the project's progress toward full operation. Trans Mountain previously announced a May 1st start date for oil transportation.

However, the corporation did not confirm whether it needed the approval of all six outstanding applications was necessary before operations commenced.

The CER has already approved 36 of the 42 leave-to-open applications submitted, covering various pipeline segments, pump stations, and tanker loading facilities. According to the CER website, each pipeline section requires individual approval before operation.

Historically, the CER has processed leave-to-open applications within a one-to-two-week timeframe following submission by Trans Mountain.