A recent poll conducted by Canada Pulse Insights for CityNews has revealed that a considerable majority of Canadians are feeling the strain of rising gas and oil prices on their personal finances. According to the survey, 91 percent of respondents indicated that escalating gas prices are negatively impacting their finances, with 69 percent reporting that the burden is significant or moderate.
Among those surveyed, 30 percent reported experiencing a major financial impact due to these price increases. Notably, 11 percent expressed that they are struggling to make ends meet as a result of the rising costs, while 19 percent mentioned that the price surge is forcing them to alter their work or lifestyle decisions. In contrast, 60 percent of respondents acknowledged that while noticeable, the increased costs were manageable within their current budgets or could be adjusted through changes in spending habits.
Younger Canadians seem to be facing the most considerable pressure due to rising gas prices. The survey highlighted that 77 percent of individuals aged 18 to 34 reported being affected, alongside 72 percent of those earning between $50,000 and $99,000. The increased costs were most evident in the area of fuel for personal vehicles, with 74 percent of respondents noting this particular impact, followed by travel, home heating, commuting, and business-related expenses.
Geographically, Ontarians reported feeling the most adverse effects with 77 percent indicating they have been impacted. This was closely followed by Alberta at 76 percent, Saskatchewan/Manitoba at 75 percent, Quebec at 74 percent, and Atlantic Canada at 65 percent. Notably, Atlantic Canada had the highest percentage of individuals who reported being affected "a great deal" at 38 percent. Conversely, only 49 percent of respondents in British Columbia said they felt the impact of rising gas and oil costs.
The survey results come amidst significant increases in gas prices in Canada attributed to geopolitical events, particularly the ongoing war in Iran, which has led to restrictions on shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz. This strait is crucial as it facilitates the transportation of a significant portion of the world's oil. The situation has escalated due to Iran's military actions against regional energy infrastructure, resulting in soaring global oil prices.
John Wright, a pollster, noted that while the rising costs will eventually affect every demographic, it is currently most impactful on those in lower-income brackets who are particularly sensitive to price changes at a local level. He emphasized that the repercussions are being felt immediately at gas pumps, but will likely start to permeate through other sectors sooner rather than later.
The Canada Pulse Insights survey was conducted with 1,511 Canadian adults using the SAGO online panel platform from March 21 to 25, 2026, and reported a margin of error of ±2.5 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.
