In an attempt to bring some competition to gasoline prices in Québec, Minister of Economy, and Energy Christine Fréchette announced on Monday, June 9 that the government is removing the floor price for gasoline and diesel fuel, effective June 7, 2025.
The government acknowledged the floor price, first introduced in 1997, limited competition between retailers and, consequently, led to higher prices. However, as of April 1, 2026, a new gasoline and diesel regulation program will begin and take effect. Retailers will be required to transmit in real time any changes in the selling price of gasoline and diesel fuel to the Régie de l’Énergie, which will publish the information online. A similar price regulation program exists in Nova Scotia.
Lately, there has been a significant difference in gasoline prices between Hawkesbury and Grenville. The village council in Grenville is concerned about how the price difference is impacting business at gas stations in Grenville and wants the Québec government to do something about it.
The federal consumer carbon tax was discontinued in April, and it affected the price of gas in Ontario. Québec still has a provincial carbon tax. As a result, gas prices in Grenville are now consistently 10 cents per litre or more than in Hawkesbury. That has led to empty parking lots and a decrease in business at the four gas stations in Grenville.
On Monday, June 9, there was still a 15 cent per litre price difference between gas stations in Grenville and Hawkesbury after Québec discontinued the floor price.
Recently, Grenville village council adopted a resolution requesting the Québec government resolve the situation. The motion indicates that gas stations in Grenville are facing a decrease in business and there is concern the situation will worsen if the price difference along the provincial boundary remains significant.
The resolution adopted by council requested village Director-General Alain Léveillé to notify Argenteuil Member of the National Assembly Agnès Grondin and the Régie de l’Énergie and request that the situation be resolved.
