NWT says fuel-tax pause may offer limited relief and cost $15 million

The GNWT says a proposed suspension of territorial taxes on gasoline, diesel and certain other fuels could offer some savings, but may not provide the most effective relief for residents facing high costs.

• What it could mean: An 80-litre gasoline fill-up in Yellowknife would cost about $8.56 less, assuming the full tax cut is passed on to customers.
• What it would not change: Home-heating fuel is already exempt from territorial fuel tax, so the suspension would not directly lower its price.
• Public cost: The GNWT estimates the suspension would mean about $15 million in lost revenue over one year.
• Next steps: The government says it is developing more direct help for heating costs and working on energy-efficiency programs and longer-term energy and transportation infrastructure.