The Canadian heavy oil discount widenedon Monday against the West Texas Intermediate (WTI) benchmark,as bulging crude stockpiles in Alberta weighed on prices andreversed part of a recent narrowing of the price spread.
* The discount had been shrinking modestly in the past weekdue to additional railway volumes. However, these shipments havenot meaningfully reduced the supply overhanging the market, aCalgary-based trader said. * Western Canada Select (WCS) heavy blend crude for Aprildelivery in Hardisty, Alberta, settled at $25.50 a barrel belowthe WTI benchmark crude price , according to ShorcanEnergy brokers, compared with Friday's settle of $24.35. * Expanding oil production in Alberta combined with tighttransport capacity have caused the supply buildup and abigger-than-usual WCS discount. * Light synthetic crude from the oil sands for Aprildelivery last traded at $2.35 over WTI, a bigger premium thanFriday's settle of $2.05 over WTI. (Reporting by Rod Nickel in Winnipeg, Manitoba; Editing byJonathan Oatis)