Gasoline use rises in Canada  

Canadians are heading to the gas pumps more often these days, reflecting increased vehicle usage and a growing fleet, according to new data from DesRosiers Automotive Consultants.

However, structural changes in the market are beginning to offset demand, the group warned.

The country’s light vehicle fleet reached 24.6 million units in 2024, with zero-emission vehicles accounting for 2.8 per cent of them. Adoption varies widely by region, from 0.7 per cent of Alberta’s 3.2 million light vehicles to 5.2 per cent of Quebec’s 5.6 million.

“In addition to short-term changes in kilometres driven, there are divergent structural changes impacting fuel consumption in Canada,” said Andrew King, managing partner at DesRosiers.

He noted that while the fleet is expanding and light trucks make up a growing share, improved fuel economy in newer internal combustion models and rising ZEV penetration are counterbalancing factors.

Gasoline consumption is influenced by kilometres driven, fleet composition and efficiency, the group added. Seasonal fluctuations remain, but overall usage has grown since pandemic lows.

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