Gasoline retail price per month in Canada 2022-2024

The average retail price for regular, unleaded gasoline at self-service stations in Canada was 161.82 Canadian cents per liter in March 2024. This was an increase compared to the previous month and a result of rising crude oil prices. Canada's gasoline prices are generally higher than those in the U.S., but lower than in many European countries.

Why do gasoline prices fluctuate?

Crude oil prices, along with changing levels of consumer demand, are the two main factors which directly affect retail prices of motor fuels. Prices can witness a rapid increase or decrease depending on impacts on crude oil supplies, refinery operations, or pipeline deliveries. Even if crude prices remain steady, seasonal changes in demand can still affect retail prices. As a large oil producer, Canada's motor fuel prices are closely linked to its benchmark Western Canadian Select crude oil price.

Canada's fuel station industry

Motor fuel is primarily sold via nearly 12,000 retail gasoline stations spread across the country. In 2022, retail sales of gasoline stations in Canada reached a new peak of 82.78 billion Canadian dollars.