High gas prices are changing how New Brunswickers plan to get around
Some New Brunswickers say higher gas prices are making them think more about fuel economy, while businesses say they’re watching to see whether that translates into changes in what people buy.
Drivers say fuel costs are influencing future vehicle choices as prices remain near record highs
Persistently high gasoline prices are prompting some New Brunswick drivers to reconsider how they travel and what they'll buy when it's time to replace their vehicles.
According to the energy information company Kalibrate Canada Inc., gasoline prices across nine New Brunswick markets averaged 186.6 cents per litre during the week ending July 27. That's 44.4 cents higher than the same week last year. Diesel prices averaged 235.2 cents per litre, up 79.6 cents year over year.
The higher prices have come despite the federal government’s decision to eliminate the consumer carbon price on gasoline and diesel in 2025 and suspend federal fuel excise taxes this past April.
Industry analysts say that’s because global oil and petroleum prices have surged in recent months as ongoing tensions between the United States and Iran threaten international supplies.
For some drivers, the increase hasn’t changed how often they drive, but it has changed what they’ll look for when it’s time to buy their next vehicle.
"It’s pretty crazy," said Marie-Claude Daoust, who was visiting New Brunswick from Montreal.
"We chose our car" with fuel economy in mind, she said, adding that higher gas prices become an even bigger consideration during long road trips.
"Like coming on a vacation, obviously it's a factor that you have to think about," she said.
Fredericton resident Andy Justason said rising fuel costs haven’t significantly changed his driving habits because he still needs his vehicle.
However, he expects fuel efficiency will play a role in his next purchase.
"I’ll probably go to a hybrid next time anyway," he said.
At Volvo Cars New Brunswick in Fredericton, General Manager Corey Ogilvie said interest in electrified vehicles has been growing this year, particularly plug-in hybrid models.
"We definitely have seen an increase in EV sales, specifically the plug-in hybrid," Ogilvie said. "It really suits the New Brunswick infrastructure because you still have that gas backup."
He said questions about fuel economy have become much more common during the sales process.
"It’s been a big question this year. It’s probably one of the top three questions we’re asked," he said.
Customers are asking about vehicle range, charging infrastructure and maintenance, Ogilvie said. He believes demand for EVs will continue to grow, helped in part by federal rebates available on eligible models.
At Radical Edge, a Fredericton bicycle shop, manager Keenan Cook said sales of e-bikes have increased steadily over the past few years.
While he can’t directly attribute the increase to higher gas prices, he believes they likely encourage more people to consider e-bikes.
Cook said improvements in e-bike technology have made them a more practical transportation option for many people.
"It’s definitely a growing trend," said Cook.
"People are realizing you’re still getting exercise, you’re just faster and more efficient. The more people try them, the more that growth is going to continue."
Whether higher fuel prices lead to lasting changes in transportation choices remains to be seen. But for many New Brunswickers, the cost of filling up has become another factor to consider when planning trips or shopping for their next vehicle.
