Gas could finally get cheaper in Quebec now that this 28-year-old rule is gone

If you've ever wondered why gas in Quebec rarely dips as low as in other provinces, it might have had something to do with a little-known rule that's been around since 1997. But as of this week, that's officially over.

Over the weekend, Quebec eliminated its longstanding floor price for fuel — a rule that set a legal minimum price gas stations couldn't go below. The government says removing it will boost competition and could lead to lower prices at the pump.

This change was first announced back in April, when Quebec's economy ministry confirmed it would repeal the rule after 28 years. At the time, MTL Blog reported that the province's fixed pricing system had kept gas artificially high, even as federal carbon tax pauses brought relief elsewhere in Canada.

In a Monday press release, Economy Minister Christine Fréchette announced the withdrawal of the application of the floor price for gasoline and diesel fuel, effective June 7, 2025. She also urged businesses to "reduce their prices at the pump" so "all Quebecers" could benefit. Her parliamentary assistant, Samuel Poulin, added that "after 28 years, the free market is finally back in the Quebec gasoline sector."

"On thousands of occasions, Quebecers have been unable to pay a lower price" due to the policy, said Poulin. “The burden of proof now lies squarely with gas stations and banners."

So what does this mean for you?

With the floor price gone, retailers can now undercut each other, which could result in cheaper gas in areas with lots of competition. But the change may also put pressure on smaller independent stations to keep up with larger chains offering deep discounts.

Starting April 1, 2026, new transparency rules will also kick in. Gas stations will be required to report prices in real time to Quebec's energy board, and those prices will be posted online so drivers can compare before filling up.

For now, though, it's worth keeping an eye on local pumps, especially as the market adjusts to a more competitive landscape.

This story was inspired by the article "Fin du prix plancher: Ton essence coûtera maintenant moins cher au Québec" which was originally published on Narcity Quebec by Jean-Michel Clermont-Goulet.

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