Düsseldorf is fighting against high fuel prices: Boissonneault offers solutions!

Düsseldorf is fighting against high fuel prices: Boissonneault offers solutions!

In recent weeks, the issue of gasoline prices has caused great debate in Quebec. Alex Boissonneault, the candidate of the Parti québécois, comments on the current challenges and the measures proposed to reduce the price of fuel. He highlights that the costs for citizens are simply unsustainable due to rising gasoline prices, which are already above $1.50 per liter. Boissonneault also condemns the high cost of Éric Duhaime's strategies, noting that they are more than five times more expensive than the planned Northvolt project. He makes it clear that the disparity in gasoline prices between Quebec and the border provinces is unacceptable and is hurting businesses.

“What are those responsible doing to change this situation?” asks Boissonneault and puts forward a few suggestions. Among other things, he advocates reducing taxes on fuel and abolishing taxation on products that have already been taxed. In contrast, he criticizes the CAQ (Coalition Avenir Québec) for its lack of ability to act and accuses Duhaime of never having taken action against price fixing on gasoline.

Competition and the withdrawal of the minimum price

An additional measure announced by the government under Christine Fréchette is the removal of the minimum price for gasoline and other fuels. This was announced on April 14, 2025 and is intended to promote competition so that consumers can get the best prices at gas stations. The existing mechanism has limited competition between retailers and led to higher prices in the long term, indicating the need for reform. From 2026, traders will have to report price changes for petrol and diesel in real time to the Régie de l'énergie, and the information will be made available online, which is intended to create greater transparency.

These changes are part of the recommendations of a study by Robert Clark, an economics professor, that highlights the need for legislative changes to promote a more competitive market. The Régie de l’énergie is also obliged to produce regular public reports on the development of petrol and diesel prices.

Growing risk in competition

But not only in Quebec, but also in Germany, competition over fuel prices is at stake. An investigation by the Cartel Office shows that pricing at gas stations is becoming increasingly problematic. Daily price changes have increased sharply in recent years, and drivers are often forced to fill up at inconvenient times, driving up costs. In 2014, the cartel office registered 4-5 price changes per day, while at the beginning of 2024 prices were already being adjusted 18 times a day on average. This development makes it more difficult for drivers to fill up cheaply and drives prices further up.

Boissonneault has aptly recognized the challenges and is offering a plan that takes citizens' concerns seriously. His suggestions are well thought out and could be implemented more quickly - a need that appears more urgent than ever in light of current developments.

Traditionally, competition in the energy sector also includes the pursuit of greater market transparency, which is sought by the Régie de l’énergie and other institutions. It remains to be seen whether the measures and proposals will actually lead to noticeable relief for consumers.

For those who want to know more about the new ideas on gasoline prices, lanouvelle.net offers deeper insights, while the Government du Québec highlights the latest announcements and studies. To take an international look at the topic, it is worth visiting spiegel.de for comprehensive analyzes of the competitive situation in Europe.