Farmers and shoppers feel the effects as Montreal gas prices soar past $2 again
Gas prices at some Montreal service stations have surpassed $2 per litre yet again.
Nevertheless, CAA-Quebec recommends it is still a good time to fill the tank.
"The average pump price is lower than the realistic price," the organization notes.
For those whose business operations depend on fuel costs, the spike is felt very quickly.
Phil Quinn runs Quinn Farm in Ile Perrot, and was shocked to see the latest price hike.
"It's higher than we've ever, ever ever seen, and our biggest tractor cost us $1,300 to fill up this morning," he said.
Last year, Quinn said the same tractor cost $400 to fill up.
The average price at the pump Friday is currently 196.0 and the realistic price is 197.2.
This is compared to the weekly average of 192.1 and the monthly average of 177.1
High fuel costs will have a ripple effect across the province, particularly hitting farmers hard.
"We're seriously going to have to revisit the price of everything we do," said Quinn.
Quebec currently boasts the third highest gas prices in the country, following British Columbia at 205.2 and Newfoundland and Labrador at 204.8.
The war in Ukraine is proving to be a contributing factor on the cost of fuel.
"What we're living now has nothing to do with Montreal or Quebec," said Canadian Fuels Association vice president Carol Montreiul. "It is historical, unprecedented, and it is an energy crisis."
Experts are worried that Quebec's high fuel costs will trigger everything to go up in price.
"It will become a factor that will contribute to a higher inflation rate eventually," said Dalhousie University agribusiness professor Sylvain Charlebois.
Farmers like Quinn will have to make some tough decisions in the coming months if prices remain high.
"Some farmers are actually considering not seeding because the cost has gotten too high, so that's going to affect food security on one side," said Charlebois.
Quinn said he's planting fruits and vegetables this year, but he will adjust the prices.
"A 20-pound bag of apples sold for $25, (and) it's going to have to be $35 this year to keep the same margins," he said.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.