Gas prices in Quebec could finally drop but it's not because of the carbon tax

If filling up your gas tank has been draining your wallet lately, you might be in for some relief.

While gas prices are dropping in other provinces following changes to the federal carbon tax, Quebec operates under a separate cap-and-trade system, meaning those cuts haven't had the same effect here.

However, the Quebec government just announced it's eliminating the province's minimum price on gas and other fuels. On April 14, Minister of Economy, Innovation and Energy Christine Fréchette confirmed the plan, saying the goal is to increase competition between gas stations and help Quebecers get the best price possible.

"In Quebec, we want to protect our economy and our consumers. And that also means greater market competitiveness and real transparency in gas prices," Fréchette said in a Monday press release. "Our goal with these amendments is to improve competition so that Quebecers pay less for their gas."

The floor price — introduced in the 1990s — sets a minimum cost for gas and diesel sales, regardless of market fluctuations. The government says this system limits competition and contributes to higher long-term prices at the pump.

The change will require legislative amendments and is part of Bill 69, which is still being studied at the National Assembly. If passed, it would also give Quebec's energy board (Régie de l'énergie) new oversight powers and require gas stations to report price changes in real time starting in 2026. That data would then be published online, so Quebecers can easily track prices in their region.

According to MNA Samuel Poulin, who discussed his support for the move in an LCN interview, "The floor price no longer has a place in today's market." He added that once the rule is lifted, one station could sell gas at $1.10 while the one across the street charges $1.48 — if it wants to.

In the meantime, if you're looking to save at the pump before the changes kick in, you can always check current gas prices in your area using sites like Essence Québec, which track prices across the province in real time.

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