After 28 years, the floor price on gasoline is abolished in Quebec
François Legault's government has officially put the axe to the management of gasoline and diesel prices, a measure that has been in place for almost three decades.
The decision, announced by Christine Fréchette, Minister of the Economy, Innovation and Energy, and Samuel Poulin, Member of the National Assembly for Beauce-Sud, could mark a shift towards a freer, more transparent market.
As of June 7, 2025, fuel retailers are no longer required to respect an imposed floor price, paving the way for a veritable price war at the pump. The government says it wants to give power back to consumers, while stimulating competition between service stations across the province.
“After 28 years, the free market is finally back in Quebec's gasoline sector,” says Samuel Poulin, noting that the old system blocked possible price cuts due to legal threats between competitors.
In 2026, a new transparency obligation will come into force: all retailers will have to report any price changes to the Régie de l'énergie in real time, and these will be posted online. This measure is designed to enable motorists to compare prices close to home.
"I invite companies to reduce prices at the pump. It's a win-win situation for all Quebecers," says Minister Fréchette.
In short, no more artificial limits on gasoline prices. The government now relies on transparency, competition and retailer responsibility to relieve motorists, who are often caught out by fuel price hikes.
