As gas prices continue to fluctuate across Canada, consumers are feeling the impact on their wallets. Major price adjustments have been reported in Nova Scotia, Okotoks, and Newfoundland just in time for the busy spring season. On March 21, 2025, the Nova Scotia Utilities and Review Board announced a significant increase of 4.7 cents per litre for gasoline, bringing the price to 160.0 cents per litre. This marks a noticeable change from a year ago when gasoline was priced around 170.0 cents per litre. However, diesel prices saw a small relief, dropping by 1.1 cents to 178.0 cents per litre. In contrast, the price of gasoline in nearby Okotoks, Alberta has surged to 155.9 cents per litre, an 8-cent increase from the previous week, as the transition to summer gasoline takes effect.
Patrick De Haan, the Head of Petroleum Analysis at GasBuddy, explained that the jump in prices is typical during this seasonal change. He noted, “It’s funny, because we just made the last step to transition over to summer gasoline from winter gasoline. That’s something that happens every spring when we make that transition.” Winter gasoline, which contains more butane, is less expensive than summer gasoline, and this transition is reflected in consumer pricing. De Haan warns that while prices have risen, they are likely to stabilize over the next few days with potential decreases as the federal pause on the carbon tax takes effect, which could save drivers approximately 16 cents per litre or more. According to De Haan, those looking to fill up may want to wait a little longer if they can, as prices are anticipated to drop.
The situation at the pumps varies widely across the country. For instance, the American Automobile Association (AAA) reported a slight increase in the national average for a gallon of gas, which rose by 4 cents to $3.12 as of March 20, 2025, despite crude oil prices remaining stable. This suggests that seasonal factors and refinery transitions heavily affect pricing, rather than merely the cost of crude oil. Additionally, gasoline demand has decreased from 9.18 million barrels per day to 8.81 million, while total domestic gasoline supply also appeared to decrease.
In Newfoundland and Labrador, the Public Utilities Board reviewed fuel pricing on March 21, leading to varied gas prices based on location. In Newfoundland, gas prices rose by 2.3 cents per litre, with current rates on the Avalon Peninsula just below $1.68 per litre. Diesel prices saw a decrease of 3.5 cents per litre, leading to maximum prices ranging between $1.92 and $2.05 per litre across the island. Meanwhile, in Labrador, gas prices varied from a 2.8-cent increase in Labrador West and Churchill Falls to a 16.5-cent drop in Cartwright, showcasing the regional discrepancies in fuel pricing. The fluctuating prices have been attributed to the adjustments in price markups and the new pricing zone created in Cartwright.
Gasoline prices are not the only fuel type seeing movement. According to reports, stove oil prices decreased by over 3 cents per litre across Newfoundland, while propane prices fluctuated between an 11.2 cent decrease and a 2.6 cent increase in Labrador, depending on the region.
In Peterborough, Ontario, as of March 21, 2025, gas prices were reported as follows: Costco at $1.36.9, Esso at $1.38.5, Ultramar at $1.47.6, Petro-Canada at $1.47.6, Pioneer at $1.47.9, and Canadian Tire at $1.48.2. These prices reflect local market dynamics, with fluctuations subject to change.
Overall, as Canadians gear up for spring travels, they are faced with notable variations in fuel prices across regions. Analysts suggest that while the recent adjustments may cause short-term dips in consumer budgets, the transitional fluctuations are a regular pattern as the country shifts from winter to summer fueling methods. With uncertainty surrounding carbon tax regulations and international oil production, consumers are advised to remain vigilant and informed about pricing in the weeks to come.