Toronto drivers were lining up more than 100 cars deep Wednesday morning for a chance to fill their tanks for free. This just hours after the federal government moved to extend its temporary gas tax break into the new year.
The free-gas promotion is taking place in Toronto and Edmonton on Wednesday, offering a fill-up to eligible passenger vehicles at a select gas station while supplies last.
The timing comes as Canadian motorists get another reprieve at the pumps. The federal government is extending its suspension of the federal excise tax on gasoline and diesel until Jan. 31, 2027. The tax break had been scheduled to expire after Labour Day.
The federal suspension, originally announced by Prime Minister Mark Carney in April, removes 10 cents per litre from the federal excise tax on gasoline and four cents per litre on diesel.
For drivers who happened to be in the right place Wednesday, however, the savings were considerably more immediate and substantial considering how much it costs to fill up a tank these days.
The free-fuel promotion is set to mark the beginning of football season, and by association, betting on football. Eligibility restrictions apply and the amount of fuel available may vary by location.
The promotion is being offered by DraftKings.