High fuel prices continue to squeeze entrepreneurs while province heads towards surplus
Calgary, June 2, 2026 – More than 8 in 10 (84%) Albertan small businesses say the Government of Alberta should provide immediate fuel tax relief instead of waiting for a July 1 reassessment, according to an ongoing survey from the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB). Fuel costs are now the top concern for small firms, with 58% ranking them as their biggest challenge—surpassing taxes and economic or political uncertainty.
“Albertans have been struggling with elevated fuel costs since March, with no recognition of the impacts from the Alberta government,” said Keyli Loeppky, senior director of Alberta & interprovincial affairs at CFIB. “That’s three months of added cost burden for small business owners who were already dealing with high costs, sustained economic uncertainty, and low confidence. It is no surprise over half of Alberta business owners say they wouldn’t recommend starting a business today.”
Fuel costs are taking a toll on business operations across Alberta. CFIB data shows that:
The ripple effects extend beyond direct fuel expenses, driving up delivery and shipping costs, job-site travel, and equipment use, while also dampening consumer spending and customer traffic. Rising fuel prices are forcing difficult decisions, with two in five businesses delaying investments and nearly a quarter cancelling them altogether.
“While the current provincial framework ties fuel tax rates to oil price thresholds, the reality is that affordability pressures are hitting businesses now,” added Loeppky. “Small firms need relief that reflects today’s economic conditions—not a delayed response.”
Rising oil prices are improving Alberta’s fiscal outlook, shifting the province from a projected deficit to an anticipated surplus. Small businesses should share in those gains. Returning a portion of those resource revenues through immediate fuel tax relief would help ensure that the benefits are shared across the economy. CFIB is calling on the provincial government to act quickly to ease cost pressures.
The federal government has already moved to address affordability concerns by removing the federal fuel tax, while Alberta businesses continue to wait for provincial action.
“Alberta has long prided itself on the Alberta advantage and on being one of the best places in the country to do business,” concluded Loeppky. “Small businesses need to see that advantage in action, not just in rhetoric. Providing immediate relief would send a clear signal that Alberta is still on their side.”
Keyli Loeppky, CFIB
587-580-9140
Keyli.loeppky@cfib.ca
The CFIB Alberta Fuel Tax Survey was conducted from April 20 to May 29, 2026, and is based on a sample of 308 small business owners across Alberta. For comparison purposes, a probability sample with the same number of respondents would have a margin of error of ±5.6 per cent, 19 times out of 20.
The Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) is Canada’s largest association of small and medium-sized businesses with 103,000 members (11,000 in Alberta) across every industry and region. CFIB is dedicated to increasing business owners’ chances of success by driving policy change at all levels of government, providing expert advice and tools, and negotiating exclusive savings. Learn more at cfib.ca.