40 per cent of Canadians driving less due to gas prices: study

Gas station at the Membertou Market on Membertou First Nation. (Ryan MacDonald/CTV News Atlantic)

Forty per cent of Canadians are spending less time behind the wheel due to high gas prices, according to a new study from Narrative Research.

The study, which polled 1,234 Canadians 18 years or older, found 40 per cent of respondents are limiting their trips or driving less after a sharp rise in gas prices in recent weeks.

Fourteen per cent of Canadians are walking or biking more often, while 12 per cent are buying smaller amounts of gas at the pump.

“Rising gas prices driven by global events are weighing heavily on Canadians, prompting widespread concern and noticeable changes to everyday behaviour,” the study reads.

“Our latest research finds that nine in 10 Canadians are concerned about the price of gas, with half saying they are extremely concerned, underscoring how sharply fuel costs are being felt across the country.”

The uptick in gas prices is also impacting Canadians’ summer plans, with half of respondents saying they are likely to take a vacation within their province. Less than a third of Canadians plan to travel internationally, according to the study.

“Atlantic Canadians are notably less likely than other Canadians to travel outside Canada for a summer vacation,” the study reads.

“Millennials stand out as more likely to be planning summer travel across a range of destinations, while older Canadians are consistently less likely to be considering longer‑distance trips, particularly those involving flights or international travel. Meanwhile, Gen Z are less likely to say they plan to vacation within their home province.”