Nova Scotia Energy Board Cuts Gas Prices by 5.4 Cents Amid Geopolitical Shifts
The Nova Scotia Energy Board invoked the interrupter clause to lower regular and mid-grade gasoline prices by 5.4 cents per litre effective September 30, 2026, driven by significant market shifts linked to U.S.-Iran tensions.
The Nova Scotia Energy Board lowered the minimum price of regular and mid-grade gasoline by 5.4 cents per litre, effective at 12:01 a.m. on Wednesday, September 30, 2026. The board invoked the interrupter clause to enact the change, reducing the price in Zone 1 — which includes Halifax, Hants, and part of Colchester counties — from 199.1 cents to 193.7 cents per litre.
The adjustment was prompted by significant shifts in market prices. These fluctuations are tied to ongoing conflict dynamics between the United States and Iran, specifically surrounding the Strait of Hormuz. Iran offered to reopen the strait and resume nuclear talks if the U.S. lifted its naval blockade, waived sanctions, and observed a ceasefire that included Lebanon. U.S. President Donald Trump rejected the proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. On Tuesday, Trump stated that the war could be over soon while waiting for Tehran's response to a new ceasefire proposal.
Global oil markets reacted to these developments. On September 29, 2026, the price of Brent crude dropped by more than two cents, though it remained 55 per cent higher than the previous year.
While Zone 1 saw the minimum price fall to 193.7 cents per litre, the minimum price of gasoline in Cape Breton stood at 195.6 cents per litre. Diesel prices were not affected by the Wednesday adjustment and held steady at 261.9 cents per litre. Premium gasoline prices in Nova Scotia also remained unchanged.
Drivers in neighboring provinces did not see overnight changes at the pumps. Prices remained the same in New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island. The next scheduled fuel price adjustment for all three Maritime provinces is Friday.