TORONTO, June 22, 2026 – Statistics Canada reported on June 22 that the Consumer Price Index rose 3.2 per cent year over year in May, up from 2.8 per cent in April. Gasoline prices increased 33.2 per cent, while grocery prices rose 4.3 per cent. Households that commute frequently by car or buy large amounts of fresh produce, as well as small businesses that depend on food ingredients and deliveries, may be experiencing cost increases above the overall inflation rate.
Gasoline was a major contributor to inflation for the third consecutive month. Even after gasoline was excluded, inflation rose from two per cent in April to 2.2 per cent in May, showing that price pressures were also coming from food, transportation and other consumer categories. Air transportation prices increased 7.4 per cent year over year, while higher fuel costs may continue to affect travel and goods delivery expenses.
Food prices also continued to rise. Fresh fruit prices increased 5.3 per cent year over year, while fresh vegetable prices rose nine per cent. Tomato prices increased 45.2 per cent, and prices for broccoli, cauliflower and lettuce also went up. Statistics Canada said fresh vegetable prices rose 5.5 per cent in May alone, the largest month-over-month increase for the month of May since 2008.
Food prices have now risen faster than overall inflation for 16 consecutive months. For larger households and families that regularly purchase fresh ingredients, weekly grocery bills may increase noticeably even when housing or other expenses change little. Restaurants and food retailers are also facing the combined costs of ingredients, fuel and delivery.
Shelter price growth slowed compared with other categories, increasing 1.7 per cent year over year in May. Rent growth eased from 3.6 per cent in April to 3.5 per cent. However, these are national averages, and actual costs can vary significantly between cities, new and existing leases, and individual households.
The Consumer Price Index reflects the average spending pattern of Canadian households and does not mean every household’s expenses increased by exactly 3.2 per cent. Residents can compare unit prices between stores and track gasoline, food and transportation costs separately to identify which categories are having the greatest effect on their household budgets. Statistics Canada’s next inflation report, covering June, is scheduled for July 20.（LJI by Yuanyuan）
