Ottawa drivers are being warned to brace for a painful week at the pumps, with fuel prices in the city expected to surge toward $2 a litre in the coming days — a threshold that would mark one of the highest retail gas prices the capital has seen in recent memory.
What's Behind the Price Surge
Several factors are converging to push pump prices higher across Ottawa and much of Ontario. A combination of rising crude oil costs, seasonal refinery switchovers to summer-blend fuel (which is more expensive to produce), and ongoing volatility in global energy markets are all adding pressure at the same time.
Summer-blend gasoline, which produces fewer emissions in warmer temperatures, costs refineries more to manufacture. That transition typically happens in the spring and almost always results in higher prices at the pump — but this year, the jump is expected to be steeper than usual.
Trade uncertainty and fluctuating U.S.-Canada tariff tensions have also added an extra layer of unpredictability to energy pricing across the country.
How High Could It Go?
According to CTV News, Ottawa could see prices climb to around $2.00 per litre next week. To put that in context, filling a standard 60-litre sedan tank at that price would cost around $120 — a significant hit for commuters, families doing school runs, and anyone who relies on a vehicle for work.
For those driving larger SUVs or trucks with 80-litre tanks, a full fill-up could run close to $160.
Tips to Soften the Blow
If you're planning to drive this week, here are a few ways to reduce the sting:
- Fill up now. If prices are still below $2 in your neighbourhood today, it's worth topping up before the jump hits.
- Use GasBuddy or Ottawa-area apps to compare prices across stations — even a few cents per litre can add up over a full tank.
- Consider slower driving. Highway speeds above 110 km/h significantly increase fuel consumption. Easing off the accelerator even slightly can stretch your tank further.
- Avoid idling. Warming up your car for extended periods burns fuel with zero kilometres gained.
- Check your tire pressure. Under-inflated tires increase rolling resistance and reduce fuel efficiency.
A Broader Canadian Problem
Ottawa isn't alone in feeling this pressure. Cities across Ontario and Quebec are expected to see similar increases, with some analysts suggesting the $2-per-litre mark could become more common this summer if crude prices remain elevated.
For low-income households and gig workers — delivery drivers, rideshare operators, tradespeople — the timing is especially difficult. With inflation already stretching household budgets, a sharp rise in fuel costs is another burden many Ottawans didn't need heading into spring.
What to Watch
Prices at the pump can shift quickly depending on how crude markets move in the coming days. Keep an eye on gas price tracker apps for the latest updates in your specific Ottawa neighbourhood — prices can vary by several cents between stations even on the same block.
For now, the advice from analysts is simple: if you have the chance to fill up before the spike, do it sooner rather than later.
Source: CTV News Ottawa via Google News
