Muhammad Amanullah | July 15, 2026
OTTAWA, Ontario (The Ture Post) — Drivers across Ontario, including those in the nation’s capital of Ottawa, are expected to pay significantly more at the pump beginning Wednesday, as gasoline prices are forecast to increase by 7 cents per litre.
According to fuel market analyst Roger McKnight of En-Pro International Inc., most gas stations across the province are expected to raise prices by approximately seven cents per litre overnight. If the forecast proves accurate, the average retail price of regular gasoline will climb to 170.9 cents per litre, bringing fuel costs close to the highs seen at the beginning of the 2026 summer driving season.
The expected increase comes amid continued volatility in global energy markets, where supply disruptions, geopolitical tensions, and seasonal demand have kept fuel prices fluctuating throughout the year.
Ontario Drivers Face Another Price Hike
The latest increase will add further pressure on Ontario motorists already dealing with elevated transportation costs in 2026.
Fuel prices have experienced repeated swings over the past several months, with many consumers finding it difficult to predict when prices will rise or fall. Wednesday’s anticipated increase is expected to affect drivers across major cities including Toronto, Ottawa, Hamilton, London, Mississauga, Brampton, Windsor, and Kingston.
Industry experts say higher wholesale fuel costs are quickly being passed on to consumers at retail gas stations.
Roger McKnight Explains the Trend
Roger McKnight, one of Canada’s most recognized fuel market analysts, said sudden price increases during the middle of the week have become increasingly common in recent months.
According to McKnight, fluctuations in wholesale gasoline prices combined with stronger summer travel demand are placing upward pressure on retail fuel prices across Ontario.
As Canadians continue taking road trips during the busy vacation season, demand for gasoline traditionally rises, often leading to temporary price spikes.
Global Factors Continue to Influence Fuel Costs
Energy analysts note that gasoline prices in Canada remain heavily influenced by developments in international oil markets.
Throughout 2026, global crude oil prices have remained volatile due to:
- Ongoing geopolitical tensions in key oil-producing regions.
- Supply chain disruptions affecting international shipping routes.
- Production adjustments by major oil-exporting countries.
- Seasonal increases in fuel demand during the summer months.
These international factors have contributed to frequent changes in fuel prices across Canada, including Ontario.
Major Fuel Price Increases Recorded in 2026
Ontario has already experienced several significant gasoline price hikes this year.
March 2026
Gasoline prices increased by 7 cents per litre, pushing prices to their highest level since 2024. Analysts attributed the increase to instability in the Middle East and disruptions affecting global shipping routes.
May 2026
At the beginning of May, Ontario drivers saw a 10-cent-per-litre increase, marking the largest single-day jump since 2022.
The increase was largely driven by rising crude oil prices and higher refinery operating costs ahead of the busy summer driving season.
In addition to these major increases, several smaller price adjustments have occurred throughout the year as wholesalers responded to changing market conditions.
Summer Fuel Blend Also Raises Prices
Industry experts say another factor affecting gasoline prices is the transition to the more expensive summer gasoline blend.
Summer-grade gasoline is specially formulated to reduce evaporation during warmer weather and meet environmental regulations. While it helps lower emissions, it is generally more expensive to produce, contributing to higher retail prices during the warmer months.
This seasonal change typically results in higher pump prices across Canada every year.
Tax Relief Offset by Higher Oil Prices
Although the federal government introduced temporary excise tax relief earlier this year to help reduce fuel costs, analysts say much of that benefit has been erased by rising global crude oil prices.
Higher international oil prices have outweighed the impact of tax reductions, leaving consumers with little noticeable relief at the pump.
Economists warn that unless global oil markets stabilize, fuel prices may remain elevated throughout the remainder of the summer.
What Drivers Can Expect
While gasoline prices can change daily depending on market conditions, Wednesday’s expected increase highlights the continued uncertainty facing Canadian motorists.
Drivers planning long-distance travel are encouraged to monitor local fuel prices and consider filling up before the anticipated increase takes effect.
Energy market analysts will continue watching developments in global oil markets, as any further supply disruptions or geopolitical events could lead to additional price increases in the coming weeks.
