You will soon pay less at the pump. The federal government is suspending the fuel excise tax on gas, diesel and aviation fuel starting April 20. This tax freeze lasts until Labour Day and brings immediate relief to New Brunswick drivers.

According to CBC News, the cost of gasoline in New Brunswick will drop by 11.5 cents per litre. Diesel prices will fall by 4.6 cents per litre. Both reductions include HST.

Relief for Summer Travel

High fuel costs force many families to rethink their summer plans. Ingrid O’Donnell recently spent nearly a full tank of gas just driving to Saint John for the day. She told CBC News that the tax suspension is exciting news for her family.

“Gas definitely has to go down or we’re not gonna be able to afford to be able to travel and do fun stuff because it’s so expensive,” O’Donnell said.

Business Owners and Workers React

Gas station operators see the financial strain firsthand. John Stillwell manages Johnny’s Gas Bar west of Fredericton. He calls the summer suspension good news.

“I just was not expecting it at all,” Stillwell said. “I had to double check, make sure it wasn’t some online joke.”

Stillwell recently ran a sale dropping prices by 10 cents per litre. The discount drew massive crowds. He notes that high prices do real damage to folks, with some customers canceling vacations entirely.

Workers who rely on large vehicles also welcome the break. Francis Morissette drives a pickup truck for his building maintenance job. Filling his tank costs up to 300 dollars. He supports the federal decision as global conflicts continue to impact fuel markets.

Frequently Asked Questions

When does the fuel tax suspension start?

The federal fuel excise tax suspension begins on April 20.

How much will gas prices drop in New Brunswick?

Gasoline prices will decrease by 11.5 cents per litre. Diesel prices will drop by 4.6 cents per litre.

How long will the lower gas prices last?

The tax suspension remains in place until Labour Day.

Does the price drop include HST?

Yes, the 11.5 cent reduction on gasoline and the 4.6 cent reduction on diesel both include HST.