Gas Tax Relief: Calls Grow as Fuel Prices Rise in Calgary | Globalnews.ca
- Gas prices in Alberta are continuing to climb, prompting renewed calls for both the provincial and federal governments to offer relief to drivers through cuts to fuel taxes.
- The increase comes amid ongoing conflict in the Middle East, which has driven up the price of oil.
- "A buck 74 — crazy price," said Paul Marsh, a Calgary resident, while filling up his vehicle on Thursday.
Gas prices in Alberta are continuing to climb, prompting renewed calls for both the provincial and federal governments to offer relief to drivers through cuts to fuel taxes. Prices at many Edmonton stations reached $1.74 per litre on Thursday, while Calgary stations were charging $1.75 per litre, according to Global News reporting.
The increase comes amid ongoing conflict in the Middle East, which has driven up the price of oil. The American benchmark West Texas Crude (WTI) is nearing US$114 per barrel. This situation is particularly challenging for residents of Alberta, an oil-rich province.
“A buck 74 — crazy price,” said Paul Marsh, a Calgary resident, while filling up his vehicle on Thursday. “I can’t afford to drive every day. I can’t wait to get back on my motorbike because it burns a lot less gas.”
Paul Marsh, Calgary resident
Another driver, Mike Shymka, acknowledged the broader economic impact of rising fuel costs.
He echoed calls for government intervention, suggesting tax cuts as a potential solution.“I do appreciate the supply chain is such that its affects everything from food prices, Amazon, everybody is going to be paying higher prices,” Shymka said. “It’s regrettable for many people who rely on gas. It’s terrible.”
Shymka argued that governments should provide economic relief during difficult times, stating, “Economic policy is, during rough recessionary times, the government is to add more to help people and when things are good then, you know, take a little bit more tax.”
Alberta’s Finance Minister, Nate Horner, offered no immediate promises of relief when questioned by reporters on Thursday. He stated, “There’s a lot of days left in the year. I did table a $9.4 billion deficit. And I will also remind people that even if that situation improves, we’ll update you through the quarters.”
The calls for tax relief come as soaring fuel costs are also impacting other sectors, including package deliveries and food prices across Canada. A Global News report from March 20, 2026, highlighted the financial strain on Edmonton’s food bank due to increased gas prices.
Recent reporting indicates that gas prices are expected to continue rising, with analysts not anticipating any relief in the near future. The Alberta Whisky Act was introduced recently, but does not address the current fuel price concerns.
The situation is further complicated by a spring snowstorm that snarled Calgary roads and caused numerous crashes on April 2, 2026. Calgary Police Service is also preparing for a ‘significant’ 4-year budget request.