Gas Shortage Fears In New Brunswick

There does not appear to be a gas shortage in New Brunswick, Canada, but prices have been high. In April 2024, the average price of regular gasoline in New Brunswick was 162 cents per litre, with some stations charging 157.1 cents per litre. In October 2021, New Brunswick gasoline prices jumped to all-time highs, with prices in some communities rising above $1.50.

Gas prices in New Brunswick

This surge in prices can be attributed to a combination of factors, including rising international oil markets, carbon taxes, increased margins for retailers, and fluctuations in ethanol markets. Additionally, the HST (Harmonized Sales Tax), which is designed to rise with increasing prices, has added further pressure on consumers.

The high gas prices in New Brunswick have been a cause for concern, especially when compared to neighbouring regions. For instance, Nova Scotia (NS) generally offers slightly lower gas prices due to a lower carbon tax, a lower HST rate, and a more competitive gasoline market with a higher number of retailers.

To help residents and commuters find the best prices, various websites and platforms provide updated information on the cheapest gas stations in New Brunswick. These resources, such as GasBuddy and Gas Prices Canada, allow users to locate the most affordable options in their area, aiding in trip planning and cost-saving measures.

The situation has also highlighted the importance of the natural gas industry in New Brunswick, which is regulated by the New Brunswick Energy and Utilities Board (EUB). The EUB is responsible for overseeing exploration, production, and the safe and environmentally responsible extraction of natural gas in the province.

Natural gas reserves in New Brunswick

New Brunswick, Canada, has a number of natural gas reserves, and natural gas production is an important part of the province's economy. The natural gas industry in the province is regulated by the New Brunswick Energy and Utilities Board (EUB), which issues licenses and approvals for exploration and production activities. The EUB also sets rules and regulations for the safe and environmentally responsible extraction of natural gas.

Natural gas production in New Brunswick averaged 5.4 million cubic feet per day (MMcf/d) in 2020, representing less than 0.1% of total Canadian natural gas production. This production has decreased from 17.8 MMcf/d in 2010. Natural gas is produced from the McCully Field, near Sussex, which was discovered in 2000 by a joint venture between Corridor Resources and Potash Corporation of Saskatchewan. A total of 39 wells have been drilled in the McCully Field to date, and production is optimised for peak winter pricing by shutting down during the summer months, a practice that began in 2017.

New Brunswick is one of the oldest 'oil provinces' in the world, with one of the first oil wells in North America drilled in 1859 about 15 km southeast of Moncton on the east side of the Petitcodiac River. This well, along with three others, was drilled by H. C. Tweedal, a refiner from Pittsburgh. The four shallow wells produced a small quantity of oil, and most exploration for oil and gas in New Brunswick has since concentrated on the Albert formation, where the wells were drilled.

While natural gas production exists in New Brunswick, the province is almost entirely reliant on natural gas imports from the US and liquefied natural gas (LNG) delivered to the Canaport LNG import terminal in Saint John. New Brunswick is home to Canada's only large-scale LNG import terminal, which began operating in 2009 and primarily imports LNG for peak winter demand.

Gas stations in New Brunswick

There are many gas stations in New Brunswick, Canada, and some of them have been reviewed by customers.

Gas Stations with Positive Reviews

• The gas station at 1025 Prospect St, Fredericton, NB is praised for its cleanliness, friendly staff, and convenient location in the city's uptown centre.
• The gas station at 64 Champlain St, Dieppe, NB is recommended for gas and coffee.
• The gas station at 1750 Vanier Blvd, Bathurst, NB is described as a nice place with a subway and KFC.
• The gas station at 160 Blvd Hebert, Edmundston, NB is described as a nice place.
• The gas station at 1399 NB-105, Keswick, NB is said to usually have the cheapest gas in town.
• The gas station at 4366 Heritage Dr, Tracy, NB offers a cash discount and is praised for its great customer service.
• The gas station at 2986 Nb 112, Salisbury, NB has excellent touch-free clean bathrooms, and also features a gift centre and restaurants.
• The gas station at 1409 Sunset Dr, Bathurst, NB is praised for its great services.

Gas Prices

Gas prices in New Brunswick have been rising steadily, recently reaching record highs. In April 2024, prices in some communities surpassed $1.50 per litre for the first time. This is attributed to various factors, including rising international oil prices, carbon taxes, and other economic factors.

First Nation Gas Stations

There are also several First Nation Gas Stations in New Brunswick, which provide regular employment for many First Nations communities. Members of the First Nations communities who present their Indian Status Cards are tax-exempt when purchasing fuel at these stations.

Gas Station Companies

Some of the notable gasoline station companies in New Brunswick include:

• Fredericton Direct Charge Co-Operative Limited
• R & L Convenience Enterprises Inc
• Power Plus Technology Inc
• BTK Investments Limited
• Hunter's One Stop Ltd
• Carleton Co-Operative Limited
• Maliseet Gas Bar Ltd
• Elmwood Drive Irving Mainway Ltd
• Richard's Service Station Ltd
• Joseph Dubé & Fils Ltée
• Courtesy Convenience & Gas Bar
• Jim's Quick Mart Ltd

Cheapest gas in New Brunswick

Finding the cheapest gas in New Brunswick can be a challenge, especially with prices fluctuating and supply issues affecting the region. Here is a guide to help you locate and access the most affordable fuel in the area.

Firstly, it is essential to be aware of the current gas price trends in New Brunswick. As of April 2024, gasoline prices in the province hit record highs, surpassing the $1.50 mark for the first time in some communities. These price hikes have been influenced by various factors, including rising international oil markets, carbon taxes, and increases in ethanol markets.

To find the cheapest gas stations in New Brunswick, there are several online tools and websites available. GasBuddy, for instance, provides real-time information on gas prices and helps you locate the most affordable options near you. You can also refer to websites like transcanadahighway.com, which offer specific information on the lowest gas prices along the Trans-Canada Highway in New Brunswick.

Additionally, keeping an eye out for cash discounts at gas stations can be a great way to save money. Some stations in New Brunswick, such as those located on French Street, Somerset Street, and US-1 N, offer cash discounts to customers. This can be a convenient option if you're passing through the area and need to refuel.

• 4366 Heritage Dr, Tracy, NB: Offers cash discounts and great customer service.
• 1399 NB-105, Keswick, NB: Known for usually having the cheapest gas in town.
• 1750 Vanier Blvd, Bathurst, NB: Nice place with amenities like Subway and KFC.
• 1025 Prospect St, Fredericton, NB: Small gas station with friendly staff and a convenient uptown centre location.
• 64 Champlain St, Dieppe, NB: Great place for gas and coffee.
• 2986 Nb 112, Salisbury, NB: Features touch-free clean bathrooms, a gift centre, and restaurants.

By combining price trend awareness, utilising online tools, and considering customer reviews, you can maximise your fuel savings and locate the cheapest gas in New Brunswick. Remember to also keep an eye out for cash discounts and take advantage of the listed affordable gas stations in the province.

Gas taxes in New Brunswick

The federal government and New Brunswick levy sales taxes after all the per-litre taxes are added, resulting in a tax-on-tax cost of an extra 6.5 cents per litre of gasoline. The federal carbon tax, imposed on July 1, 2023, added 14 cents per litre to the price of gasoline in New Brunswick. A second carbon tax, also imposed through fuel regulations, took effect on the same date and will further increase fuel costs over time. By 2030, the two carbon taxes are projected to increase gasoline prices by about 55 cents per litre, costing the average family more than $2,000 annually.

In addition to the carbon tax, other factors have contributed to the rising cost of gasoline in New Brunswick. For instance, the New Brunswick Energy and Utilities Board raised the limit on the price of self-serve regular gasoline by 3.5 cents to 151.2 cents per litre in October 2021. This was the third pricing record set by the board that month. Prior to this, the province's record high was in April 2014, when prices peaked just below $1.43.

The gasoline tax rate in New Brunswick, effective April 1, 2020, was 10.87 cents per litre. Other fuel tax rates in the province include 15.45 cents per litre for motive fuel (e.g. diesel), 6.7 cents per litre for propane, 2.5 cents per litre for aviation fuel, and 4.3 cents per litre for locomotive fuel. These taxes are subject to change, and consumers can verify current tax rates by contacting the Revenue Administration Division or visiting the Finance and Treasury Board website.

Frequently asked questions