Alberta's fuel tax relief program is ending at the end of this month. On April 1, the fuel tax will be reinstated in full at 13 cents per litre for gas and diesel.

The end of the province's pause on the fuel tax will come on the same day that the federal carbon tax is also slated to rise. Currently, carbon pricing is set at $65 per tonne. Come April, that price will rise to $80 per tonne.

As of today, the federal carbon tax for one litre of gasoline in Alberta is around 14 cents, but beginning on April 1, that will jump to over 17 cents. 

President of Treasury Board and Minister of Finance, Nate Horner, issued a statement saying that the provincial program was, 'designed to save Albertans money when oil prices are high and bring in needed government revenue when oil prices drop.'

"Since oil prices averaged below $80 per barrel during the most recent quarterly review period, the provincial fuel tax for gas and diesel will be 13 cents per litre starting April 1."

According to the provincial budget which was released last month, it was also stated that, 'the fuel tax relief program is not anticipated to remain in effect, given that [West Texas Intermediate] WTI prices are forecast to remain below the $80 threshold at which partial fuel tax relief begins.'

Horner underlined that Albertans will continue to pay some of the lowest fuel prices in the country even after the fuel tax rate takes effect.

"As of mid-March, gas prices in Alberta remained 11 cents below the national average and were a full 22 cents lower than when we first announced the fuel tax relief program in March 2022."

The Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) has estimated that the national average for gas prices Canada-wide as of Thursday was $1.56. According to the website Gas Wizard, gas prices in the Calgary area in recent weeks, are some of the highest in recent memory. 

He also added that revenue from the provincial fuel tax helps fund programs, services and infrastructure. 

"In 2024-25, fuel tax revenue is forecast at $1.4 billion, which will help fund everything from better roads to improved health care and more support in the classroom to continue to meet the needs of our growing population."

The province estimates that since the fuel tax pause began, drivers have saved drivers more than $2 billion. 

So, while Airdrie residents may be bracing for an impact on their wallets at the pumps, they can also expect that April will bring money back to them through various tax rebates.

"If you file your taxes electronically by March 15, 2024, you should receive your next CCR payment (formerly known as the Climate Action incentive payment) on April 15, 2024. If you file after March 15, 2024, generally, you can expect to get your CCR payment 6-8 weeks after your tax return has been assessed," the Government of Canada's website stated. 

The first adult in a household in Alberta can receive up to $225 from their quarterly rebate, while in totality a family of four in the province can receive upwards of $450 quarterly - or $1,800 a year. Albertans receive the most money back from the CCR program, as compared to other provinces. 

Currently, Airdrie gas prices are hovering between $1.44 to $1.46 per litre for regular gas.  

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