While the price at the pump dropped last year across Montreal, many drivers are still paying the highest prices in the province, according to a report released by CAA-Quebec. In its annual Gasoline Report, the automobile service agency claimed there were “stubborn regional inconsistencies [that] raise questions about price-setting practices and retail markups.” Drivers saw the average price of gas drop by 5.8 per cent in 2025 compared to the year prior, largely due to lower global crude oil and refined gasoline costs. But the picture isn’t the same for all drivers in the province. In Montreal and its suburbs, retail prices remained high compared to other parts of Quebec. Montreal’s average pump price was roughly 158.3 ¢/L, and dropped by only 1.2 per cent year-over-year. Drivers paid a little more in Laval, despite both areas having some of the busiest service stations in Quebec. “At a time when the rising cost of living is putting more and more pressure on household budgets, motorists are naturally more sensitive to the price of gasoline,” said Nicolas Ryan, CAA-Quebec’s public affairs director, in a news release. In Montreal, taxes also make up an especially large share of the cost: roughly 33.4 per cent of the price of regular gasoline comes from taxes, higher than in any other major Canadian city. No price hikes before holidays CAA-Quebec pointed out that contrary to popular belief, the price at the pump doesn’t jump ahead of holidays. Over 52 weeks, the price of regular gas rose on Fridays 12 times in Montreal, twice in Quebec City, and not once in Sherbrooke, the analysis showed. Further, there were no price hikes at the pump ahead of the construction holiday. By the numbers Average price per litre (cents/litre) Highest price observed at the pump Lowest price observed at the pump
