Federal Government Announces Temporary Suspension of Fuel Excise Tax
Federal Government Announces Temporary Suspension of Fuel Excise Tax
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Federal Government Announces Temporary Suspension of Fuel Excise Tax
Maple Ridge & Pitt Meadows, BC - April 16, 2026 - The Ridge Meadows Chamber of Commerce is informing local businesses and residents of the Government of Canada’s newly announced plan to temporarily suspend the federal fuel excise tax on gasoline, diesel, and aviation fuels. According to the Department of Finance, this measure is intended to help ease fuel‑price pressures stemming from global oil disruptions related to the Middle East conflict.
The federal government has stated that it intends to introduce legislative amendments to the Excise Tax Act that would reduce the federal excise tax rate to 0 cents per litre for gasoline, unleaded aviation gasoline, diesel fuel, and aviation fuel. The suspension is scheduled to take effect April 20, 2026, and remain in place until Labour Day, September 7, 2026.
Currently, the federal excise tax is applied at:
- 10 cents per litre on gasoline and unleaded aviation gasoline
- 4 cents per litre on diesel fuel and aviation fuel, other than aviation gasoline
The Department of Finance estimates that the temporary suspension will provide over $2.4 billion in total tax relief to Canadians in 2026. The measure applies to fuel for which the tax becomes payable after April 19, 2026, including fuel delivered by manufacturers or wholesalers or imported into Canada after that date. The full excise tax rates are scheduled to return on September 8, 2026.
What This Means for Local Businesses
The Ridge Meadows Chamber recognizes that fuel costs have a direct impact on many sectors across Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows - including transportation, construction, agriculture, trades, tourism, and service‑based businesses. While the Chamber does not take positions on federal policy, we acknowledge that many members may experience short‑term cost relief during the suspension period.
The Chamber will continue monitoring updates as legislative amendments progress and will share additional information with members as it becomes available.
Media Contact
Dara Lynn Bonderud; Events & Communications Manager
Ridge Meadows Chamber of Commerce
dara@ridgemeadowschamber.com
