Oil tops US$90 as Gulf tensions threaten higher costs for Canadian consumers
Mar 6th 2026
Rising Gulf risks and a warning from Qatar pushed crude above US$90 per barrel, a move that could lift gasoline, airfares and shipping costs in Canada even as Alberta’s oil sector sees revenue gains.
- North American crude topped US$90 per barrel after a week of military strikes involving the United States and Israel against Iran.
- QatarEnergy halted some LNG output and declared force majeure, and its energy minister warned a closed Strait of Hormuz could push oil to US$150 per barrel.
- Analysts say US$150 is unlikely but prices could get into the US$100 range if disruptions persist.
- Oil rose about US$20 per barrel in roughly a week and jumped 13 percent in a single trading day.
- Gasoline prices in Canada have already climbed and higher oil could raise airline fares and shipping costs, increasing prices for produce and other goods.
- Alberta stands to benefit from higher oil revenues, which could help the provincial budget and lift energy stocks.
- Global inventories are relatively high and governments could release strategic reserves to try to ease prices.
- North American stock markets fell broadly while many oil producers saw share gains.