PM Mark Carney Probes Ways to ‘Cushion the Blow’ as Gas Prices Soar With gas prices hitting a staggering average of $1.80 per litre across the country—and even crossing the $2.00 mark in some urban centers—Prime Minister Mark Carney says the federal government is actively looking for ways to provide relief. The surge, triggered by the outbreak of war between the U.S., Israel, and Iran on February 28, 2026, has sent shockwaves through the global energy market, leaving Canadians facing a 36% increase in fuel costs compared to this time last year.
The Global Impact on Local Pumps
The ongoing conflict has severely disrupted energy production in the Middle East and restricted traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway responsible for one-fifth of the world’s oil supply. Speaking at an event in Brampton on Tuesday, Prime Minister Carney acknowledged the frustration felt by motorists in the Durham Region and beyond.
“What can we do to help cushion the blow for Canadians? That’s something we’re looking at,” Carney told reporters. He noted that while Canada is a major oil producer, the domestic market is tied to global shifts. “Those countries that have lots of oil and gas see their prices go up alongside those who don’t. It’s the same shift in prices in the United States as well.”
Conservative Proposal: A 25-Cent Relief Plan
The Liberal government’s “cushion the blow” approach comes amid intense pressure from the Official Opposition. Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre has called for an immediate “gas tax holiday” for the remainder of 2026.
The Conservative plan proposes:
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Eliminating the Fuel Excise Tax: A savings of 10 cents per litre.
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Scrapping the Clean Fuel Standard: A savings of 7 cents per litre.
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Removing the GST on Fuel: A savings of 8 cents per litre.
Combined, Poilievre argues these cuts would save Canadian families an average of 25 cents per litre at the pump. To fund this $5.25 billion relief package, the Conservatives have proposed cutting what they describe as “wasteful spending,” including the federal gun buyback program, foreign aid, and the high-speed rail project between Toronto and Quebec City.
What’s Next for Durham Drivers?
While the Prime Minister did not provide specific details or a timeline for a relief package, his comments suggest that measures could be included in the Spring Economic Update, expected in the coming weeks. For now, the federal government is participating in collective action through the International Energy Agency to release oil reserves in an attempt to stabilize the market.
For commuters in Oshawa and Whitby, the current price of $1.80+ per litre adds hundreds of dollars in monthly expenses. Residents are encouraged to monitor local stations, as the market remains highly volatile depending on the latest developments in the Middle East conflict.
