TORONTO, April 30, 2026 – Gas prices in the Greater Toronto Area are expected to rise by about 7 cents per litre early on May 1 (Friday), with the average price potentially reaching about 186.9 cents per litre. For daily commuters, food delivery and rideshare drivers, and families planning to drive during the May long weekend, failing to fill up tonight could mean paying about CAD $5 to $8 more for the same tank tomorrow.
Before this expected increase, gas prices in the GTA had already shown significant movement throughout April, ranging from about 163.9 cents to nearly 188.9 cents per litre. While this single jump is not especially extreme on its own, in a period of frequent price swings, the timing of when people buy gas has a more direct effect on everyday costs.
For most drivers, the most common issue is not that they “do not know prices are going up,” but that they are unsure when the best time to fill up actually is. Many people are used to getting gas on the weekend or only when they happen to be out already, but when a price increase is expected, that habit can leave them paying more than necessary. For delivery drivers, short-term gas price movements can directly affect that day’s profit.
In practical terms, both the timing and the location of tonight’s refuelling can affect cost and convenience. Generally, gas stations are more likely to be busy during the evening rush period, roughly 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., while traffic often becomes lighter after 9 p.m. At the same time, prices can vary by area, with possible gaps of about 2 to 3 cents per litre between places such as Markham, Mississauga, and downtown Toronto. Checking nearby gas prices in advance may help reduce spending even further.
At present, drivers can use real-time fuel price tools to compare nearby stations and then decide when to fill up based on their own travel plans. For self-employed drivers who use their vehicles regularly, it is also advisable to keep fuel receipts or digital records, which may later help when calculating operating expenses for tax purposes.
It is important to note that gas prices remain affected by factors such as international crude oil prices and refinery maintenance, so short-term trends may still shift. This expected increase does not necessarily mean prices will continue rising, and there may still be a pullback or another adjustment within the next week.
For many drivers, a more common real-life situation is that the tank is still about half full, and they were planning to wait until the weekend before filling up. But if prices rise early on May 1, topping up the same tank the next day would increase the cost of commuting, school drop-offs, and delivery work.
For residents who still need to drive tonight, the more practical approach is to try to fill up before midnight and avoid the after-work rush period if possible. If a family is planning to travel during the long weekend, filling the tank in advance may help lock in the current price. It may also be worth checking nearby station prices before heading out and choosing a relatively lower-priced location to reduce unnecessary spending. (LJI by Yuanyuan)
