A person pumps gas in Montreal on Thursday, April 2, 2026. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Christinne Muschi)
Rising gas prices are having a real impact on how Manitobans manage their daily routines and summer plans, according to a new survey from CAA Manitoba.
The survey found about six in ten Manitobans say higher fuel costs are affecting their day-to-day lives, with many cutting back on driving and adjusting spending to make ends meet.
“Manitobans are making thoughtful choices to stretch their budgets, whether that’s driving a little less, planning trips more carefully or finding ways to save at the pump,” said Ewald Friesen, manager, government and community relations for CAA Manitoba.
Many respondents said they begin to rethink their habits when gas prices reach around $2.10 per litre, a point where costs start to influence decisions about how and when they travel. The most common changes include driving less for everyday needs (35 percent), cutting spending in other areas (23 percent) and reducing or eliminating some activities entirely (23 percent).
According to recent gas price data in Manitoba, the peak price for regular unleaded fuel came earlier in the summer at 190.4 cents per litre. Recent averages at the pump have been hovering near 174.9 to 177.9 cents per litre in Winnipeg.
Despite higher fuel costs, road trips remain a popular choice this summer, with more than seven in ten Manitobans planning to hit the road. However, nearly six in ten say rising gas prices are likely to influence those plans, prompting many to take fewer trips, travel shorter distances or adjust their budgets.
“Travel is still important to Manitobans, especially during the summer months, but people are being more mindful about how they plan those trips,” Friesen said.
CAA has a list of tips to stretch your fuel budget on its website.
