Fuel prices are climbing globally as the conflict in the Middle East continues, with B.C. currently posting the highest average price nationwide. (Image Credit: Jordan Davidson/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By Jordan Davidson

pain at the pumps

‘Not looking real good:’ B.C. has highest average gas price in Canada

Apr 1, 2026 | 10:05 AM

NANAIMO — There’s no telling how high the price of fuel will get locally as war continues to rage in the Middle East.

U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran have led Tehran to largely close the Strait of Hormuz, a major shipping route which is causing fuel prices to rise globally, increasing the odds of hitting record prices locally.

GasBuddy.ca analyst Patrick De Haan said the average price for gas in B.C. as of Wednesday, April 1, was 200.3 cents per litre, up from 192.1 cents per litre from just two days prior, and the highest average price in Canada.

“That compares to the average price record of 222.7 back in June of 2022, so thankfully, gasoline prices not quite at the record-setting level,” De Haan said. “But diesel is rapidly climbing there, and that’s certainly something that could get worse. We could get to record diesel prices here if the situation in the Middle East doesn’t quickly improve.”

Newfoundland is the second highest at 199.3 for gas, with Alberta coming in with the lowest price at 163.8.

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Locally, Nanaimo gas stations are hovering around the two-dollar mark, with some stations already as high as 207.9 on Wednesday morning.

On Monday, March 30, the average diesel price in B.C. was 235.0, with some Vancouver stations already seeing diesel prices as high as 265.0 by Wednesday.

The provincial average record for the price of diesel is 242.6, from July 2022.

As far as how high it could get before prices began to ease off?

It depends on international relations, De Haan said.

“As long as the Strait of Hormuz continues to be blocked, we’re going to continue to be in a situation where gas prices could continue to go up. Certainly not looking real good as the U.S. has not represented a clear path forward on what could develop.”

The increase in fuel prices caused by the ongoing Middle East conflict is already having a ripple effect on other industries.

De Haan said jet fuel prices in America have already increased by the equivalent of $1.50 a gallon, which will likely be felt with increased ticket prices for passengers.

— with files from Jon de Roo, 97.3 The Eagle.

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