In an effort to adjust economic policies in response to market conditions, the government of Alberta has announced an upcoming increase in the provincial gasoline tax.
Starting April 1, the tax on gasoline will rise by four cents per litre.
Alberta stopped collecting fuel tax two years ago when high gasoline prices contributed significantly to the provincial financial health.
Per the statement released today by President of Treasury Board and Minister of Finance Nate Horner, the fuel tax relief program contributed over $2 billion in savings to drivers and played a role in moderating inflation within the province.
“The fuel tax relief program is designed to save Albertans money when oil prices are high and bring in needed government revenue when oil prices drop,” reads the statement.
“Since oil prices averaged below $80 per barrel during the most recent quarterly review period, the provincial fuel tax for gas and diesel will be 13 cents per litre starting April 1.”
“Albertans will continue to pay some of the lowest fuel prices in the country even after the fuel tax rate takes effect. As of mid-March, gas prices in Alberta remained 11 cents below the national average and were a full 22 cents lower than when we first announced the fuel tax relief program in March 2022.”
According to Statistics Canada’s latest report, inflation rates slowed in seven provinces in February, while Alberta experienced an increase to 4.2% from 3.4% last month due to a significant increase in natural gas prices.
The carbon tax will also go up on April 1st.