The pause on provincial fuel taxes in Alberta will continue until the end of 2023. (Photo: Korzeniewski | Dreamstime.com)

By Erika Rolling

Provincial fuel tax suspended until the end of 2023

Jun 19, 2023 | 12:48 PM

EDMONTON, AB – The Government of Alberta announced Monday. June 19, 2023, that it is suspending the provincial fuel tax that was set to expire at the end of June.

The full 13 cents per litre will not be collected by the province for the rest of 2023. Premier Danielle Smith said it will save people $6-$18 every time they fill up their vehicle.

“Pausing the full fuel tax on gasoline and diesel for the rest of the calendar year will put hundreds of millions of dollars back into the pockets of Albertans,” said Smith.

“But lower gas prices don’t just leave more money in your pockets every time you fill up, so you and your families can save more of your hard-earned money.” She said it will help people save to buy other necessities like groceries, lower shipping costs, and help small business owners.

The premier adds, “While the current cost of living crisis is being fueled by out-of-control federal spending, the Bank of Canada, and international factors… Alberta’s government is committed to making life more affordable when and where we have the ability to do so.”

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President of Treasury Board and Minister of Finance Nate Horner said, since the introduction of the fuel tax suspension in 2022, it is estimated that it has saved Albertans $1.5 billion.

“These are real savings, and savings Albertans will continue to see until the end of the year,” Horner said.

He adds that, come next year, Albertans will only be paying the fuel tax when oil prices dip below $90 a barrel, and if it does happen, “the tax would be reinstated on a staged schedule.”

The oil price-based program will be given an update in the future before it re-takes effect, according to Horner.

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