Majority Of Canadians Optimistic Low Gas Prices Will Continue In 2016

A majority of Canadians think current relatively low retail gas prices will continue through next year, Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) research reveals.

Only a third of Canadians (34%) believe gas prices will rise in 2016, while 56% say they will either stay the same or decline even further, the survey found.

The average retail price of gas in Canada is hovering around 98 cents a litre, down significantly from about $1.15 a litre at the same time last year, and down from roughly $1.20 a litre two years ago. Current and historical data on Canadian gas prices, by city, province and nationally, can be found at getgasprices.caa.ca.

The survey also found that the price of gas continues to be a big topic for Canadians, even if lower prices are the new normal. There has been only a marginal drop in the percentage of Canadians who say they pay attention to the price of gas – to 72% from 75%.

Finally, lower prices haven't translated into more driving in the minds of Canadians. A solid majority – 63% - said they are driving about the same amount as before gas prices started to drop.

CAA also provides current prices at over 10,000 gas stations from coast to coast, updated several times a day, through our free app.

The results are based on a survey of 2,005 representative Canadians.  A probability sample of the same size would yield a margin of error of ±2.2%, 19 times out of 20.

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