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Published: 2003

Total Pages: 38

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This report presents a study of the possible causes of the recent increase in the price of gasoline in Canada and the effects of that increase on the economy. Chapter 1 reviews the data on gasoline prices (retail, wholesale, & crude) in Canada over the period November 2002 to September 2003, as well as over the longer term, and in comparison to prices in the United States & elsewhere. Chapter 2 examines the structure, performance, & profitability of the oil & gas industry, focussing on the downstream sector. It also studies the competitive aspects of the vertically integrated companies, the regional marketers, and the independent retailers in the gasoline sector. Chapter 3 assesses the explanations given for the price increases and other related pricing issues. The report then summarizes the findings and offers a single recommendation for the creation of an independent agency to monitor gasoline pricing. The appendix includes data on gasoline prices in selected cities in late 2003 and a dissenting opinion on the report.