Trans Mountain Expansion project could be completed this coming May, with initial exports starting in June, Reuters reported on Tuesday, March 19, citing Alberta Premier.

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith said Tuesday that the expansion of the Trans Mountain crude oil pipeline is on track for completion by the end of May, with initial exports starting in June.

Smith's comments, made during an interview at the CERAWeek energy conference, align with recent statements by oil producer MEG Energy. MEG Energy reported on March 1st that Trans Mountain had requested 2.1 million barrels of oil to fill the pipeline in both April and May.

The C$30.9 billion ($22.8 billion) government-owned project will nearly triple the capacity of the Trans Mountain pipeline, allowing it to transport up to 890,000 barrels of oil per day from Alberta to Canada's Pacific Coast. The expansion has faced delays and cost overruns in recent years.

Line fill, the final step before the pipeline becomes operational, will provide Canadian oil with greater access to refineries on the U.S. West Coast and in Asia.