Gasoline prices across Canada have surged to their highest levels in a month, even as the U.S. experiences a downward trend. According to recent data from Kalibrate, the average price nationwide rose to $1.588 per litre as of March 20, marking an increase from the previous week’s average of $1.548 per litre.
Brandon, Manitoba, experienced the sharpest weekly hike at 14.9 cents per litre, with Calgary and Kelowna, B.C., close behind at 13.7 cents and 11.8 cents per litre, respectively.
However, Canadian motorists can expect significant relief soon, as Prime Minister Mark Carney’s government plans to eliminate the consumer carbon tax effective April 1. Randall Bartlett, deputy chief economist at Desjardins, forecasts an immediate reduction of about 18 cents per litre in affected provinces.
The move by Carney’s government coincides with widespread speculation of an imminent federal election, potentially set for April 28. Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, who has persistently opposed the carbon tax, is expected to leverage this issue in the upcoming political battle.