Gas prices across Canada are surging this weekend as the conflict between Iran and Israel continues to rattle global oil markets. Drivers in every province are now paying significantly more at the pump, with some regions seeing increases of 20 cents per litre or more in just a few days.
In Toronto, prices are expected to hit $1.56 per litre by Saturday, according to fuel analyst Dan McTeague, president of Canadians for Affordable Energy. Diesel prices could climb above $2 per litre. These are price levels Canadians haven’t seen in quite some time, and experts warn that further increases are likely if the Middle East conflict escalates.
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Why Gas Prices in Canada Are Rising So Quickly
The sudden spike in gas prices is directly linked to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. The Strait of Hormuz, a narrow waterway through which about 20 per cent of the world’s seaborne oil passes, has become a major concern. Iran’s military has disrupted tanker traffic in the area, raising fears of supply shortages that have pushed crude oil prices sharply higher.
Brent crude oil, the international benchmark, briefly rose above US$93 per barrel this week — a dramatic increase from around US$67 before the conflict began. U.S. benchmark oil prices have gained nearly 20 per cent since the initial strikes on Saturday. This has translated into immediate increases at Canadian pumps, with wholesale gasoline rising roughly 20 cents in a matter of days.
Current Gas Prices by Province — March 7, 2026
Gas prices vary significantly across the country due to differences in provincial taxes, transportation costs, and regional competition. Here is the current breakdown of regular gasoline prices in each province:
| Province/Territory | Current Price (per litre) | Weekly Change |
| British Columbia | $1.67 – $1.75 | +15 to 20 cents |
| Prince Edward Island | $1.54 | +7 cents |
| Quebec | $1.52 – $1.55 | +10 cents |
| Newfoundland & Labrador | $1.52 | +8 cents |
| Nova Scotia | $1.48 – $1.53 | +9 cents |
| Ontario (Toronto) | $1.49 – $1.56 | +8 to 14 cents |
| New Brunswick | $1.42 | +5 cents |
| Alberta (Edmonton) | $1.45 – $1.50 | +10 cents |
| Saskatchewan | $1.33 | +6 cents |
| Manitoba | $1.32 | +5 cents |
British Columbia — Highest Gas Prices in Canada
British Columbia continues to have the highest gas prices in the country. Vancouver drivers are paying between $1.67 and $1.75 per litre depending on the station. The province’s combination of carbon tax, TransLink tax in Metro Vancouver, and higher refining margins has kept BC prices well above the national average for years. The current spike has only widened that gap further.
Ontario — Toronto Prices Expected to Spike This Weekend
Gas prices in Ontario have climbed rapidly over the past week. In the Greater Toronto Area, prices jumped six cents overnight to around $1.49 per litre earlier this week. Dan McTeague predicts another six-cent increase on Saturday, pushing prices above $1.55 per litre. Diesel is expected to climb over $2 per litre by the weekend, which will have ripple effects on transportation and delivery costs.
Alberta — Prices Rising Despite Being Oil-Producing Province
Even Alberta, Canada’s oil heartland, is seeing significant price increases. Edmonton stations are now showing prices near $1.50 per litre, up from around $1.30 just a week ago. While Alberta typically has lower gas prices due to lower provincial taxes and proximity to refineries, the province is not immune to global oil price movements. The provincial average remains around $1.31, but major cities are seeing prices climb higher.
Atlantic Canada — Sharp Increases Across the Region
Atlantic provinces have seen some of the sharpest increases in percentage terms. In Nova Scotia, the minimum price for regular self-serve gasoline increased by 8.9 cents to 147.7 cents per litre in Halifax, with prices now ranging up to 152.7 cents in some areas. Prince Edward Island drivers are paying $1.54 per litre. Newfoundland prices have climbed to around $1.52 per litre. New Brunswick has seen smaller increases, with prices remaining around $1.42 per litre.
Prairies — Still the Cheapest Gas in Canada
Saskatchewan and Manitoba continue to have some of the lowest gas prices in the country, though both provinces are seeing increases. Saskatchewan drivers are paying around $1.33 per litre, while Manitoba prices sit at approximately $1.32 per litre. Lower provincial taxes and proximity to Alberta refineries help keep prices lower in these provinces compared to the rest of Canada.
How Much Higher Could Gas Prices Go?
Analysts warn that prices could climb significantly higher if the conflict in the Middle East continues or expands. According to Roger McKnight, chief petroleum analyst at En-Pro International, a crude oil increase from US$67 to US$80 per barrel would mean an increase at the pump of 8 cents per litre. A jump to US$100 per barrel would work out to a boost of 20 cents per litre.
With oil already trading near US$90 per barrel, Canadians could see prices climb even higher in the coming weeks. Dan McTeague has warned that the consumer is in for a very rough ride if this war extends in time or location. However, prices could reverse quickly if tensions in the region ease.
What This Means for Canadian Households
For the average Canadian family, a 25-cent rise per litre could mean their monthly transportation costs go up significantly. Drivers who fill a 60-litre tank could pay an extra $15 each time, which adds up quickly over the course of a month. Small businesses that rely on delivery vehicles may see their costs rise, which could eventually lead to higher prices for consumers.
Rural Canadians who rely on long-distance commuting are likely to feel the most pressure. Higher diesel prices will also affect trucking and freight costs, which typically get passed on to consumers through higher prices for food and goods.
Tips for Saving Money at the Pump
With prices expected to keep rising, here are some strategies to reduce your fuel costs. Fill up today if possible, as prices are expected to climb over the weekend. Use apps like GasBuddy to find the cheapest stations in your area. Avoid aggressive driving habits like rapid acceleration and hard braking, which increase fuel consumption. Keep your tires properly inflated to improve fuel efficiency. Combine multiple errands into single trips to reduce overall driving distance.
Gas prices across Canada are climbing rapidly due to the conflict in the Middle East and resulting disruptions to global oil markets. British Columbia remains the most expensive province for fuel, while the Prairies offer some relief with lower prices. Expect further increases over the weekend, particularly in major urban centres like Toronto. The situation remains fluid, and prices could rise or fall depending on how events in the Middle East unfold in the coming days and weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will gas prices go down soon in Canada?
Gas prices could stabilize or decrease if tensions in the Middle East ease and oil shipping through the Strait of Hormuz returns to normal. However, analysts caution that predicting the timeline is difficult. If the conflict expands or continues for weeks, prices may remain elevated or climb higher. Seasonal factors could also play a role, as demand typically increases heading into spring and summer driving season.
Does Canada get oil from the Middle East?
Canada is largely self-sufficient in oil production and does not directly import significant amounts of crude from the Middle East. However, oil is a globally traded commodity, and prices are set on international markets. When global supply is threatened, prices rise everywhere, including in Canada. This is why events in the Middle East affect Canadian gas prices even though Canadian oil comes primarily from Alberta.
How are diesel prices affecting grocery and delivery costs?
Diesel prices have risen even more sharply than gasoline, with some regions expecting prices above $2 per litre. Since most goods in Canada are transported by truck, higher diesel costs will likely increase prices for groceries, consumer goods, and delivery services. These effects typically take a few weeks to show up at retail, so Canadians may see higher food prices in the coming weeks if diesel prices remain elevated.
Are electric vehicle owners affected by rising gas prices?
Electric vehicle owners avoid direct fuel costs at the pump, but they are not entirely insulated from rising energy prices. Electricity rates can increase when natural gas prices rise, since natural gas is used to generate power in many provinces. EV owners will also be affected by higher prices for goods and services caused by increased transportation costs. However, the direct savings on fuel costs during price spikes remain a significant advantage for EV drivers.
Should I fill up my tank before prices rise again?
Based on current forecasts, filling up today is a smart move. Dan McTeague is predicting price increases on both Friday and Saturday this weekend. If you can top up your tank now, you could save several dollars compared to waiting. However, avoid panic buying or hoarding fuel, as this creates unnecessary demand and can contribute to local shortages. Simply filling your regular tank before the next price jump is the most practical approach.