Quebec drivers crossing into Ottawa to save on gas prices

Ottawa gas prices are significantly lower than in Gatineau, and that has many Quebec drivers making the short trip over to the capital to fill up the tank

Quebec drivers are heading to Ottawa to fill up their gas tanks and save money. Prices at the pump are noticeably lower on the Ontario side, and some Gatineau residents say the short drive is worth it.

“It’s like 13, 14 cents cheaper,” said Nadia, a Quebec motorist. “We live very close to the bridge. So why not?”

And she’s not alone. Dozens of other motorists made the trip today to fill up in Ottawa.

“I’m very close from here. So, I cross the river. It makes sense for me. I’m going to save $10,” said Ben Girard, another Quebec motorist.

“It’s $1.49. Expensive. Here is not expensive like that. I buy here,” said another driver.

Experts say there’s a simple reason for the price gap.

“The carbon tax, which they have as a cap-and-trade tax, is about 12 cents a litre. It didn’t get eliminated. And because it wasn’t under the federal authority, Quebec’s on its own. And for that reason, it’s now stuck with much higher prices,” said Dan McTeague, president of Canadians for Affordable Energy.

At a gas station on Fournier Boulevard in Gatineau, gas is just under $1.39 a litre. Five minutes down the road, at a different Gatineau station, the price is similar, at $1.38 per litre.

For drivers with large tanks, like a Ford F-150, the price difference adds up quickly.

With a price of $1.39 per litre in Gatineau versus $1.26 in Ottawa, filling up that truck could save nearly $20 by crossing the border.

“It’s really expensive here,” said Khalid Fortis, a Quebec motorist.

At gas stations in Gatineau, drivers are quickly realizing they could be saving money with a short drive.

“I just put in $5 and then I’ll go to Ottawa to fill up,” said Khalid.

“It’s better to go into Ottawa for sure,” said Gabriel Poirier, a Quebec driver.

Back in Ottawa, motorists say the savings are too good to pass up.

“That’s why I come here,” said Bernard Rousseau, another Quebec motorist. “I’m not crazy. I’m not going to Quebec. Quebec is crazy.”

• Gas Prices: Find the lowest gas prices in Ottawa