The report says the increase in natural gas is driven largely by the North American fracking boom, which changed the industry about 11 years ago.

British Columbia's election has brought unwelcome uncertainty for the business sector, given the prospect of an ascendant Green Party influencing policy on pipelines, natural gas exports, hydroelectricity and other resource projects.

Canadian exports rose to a record high in March, boosted by a 7% increase in energy exports.