Gasoline consumption in Canada saw a modest decline of 3.5% in Q1 2025 compared to the same period in 2024, according to DesRosiers Automotive Consultants (DAC).

While this dip reflects a slight pullback in vehicle usage, DAC notes that consumption levels remain above pre-pandemic benchmarks, as well as higher than the same quarters in 2020, 2021, and 2022.

For aftermarket professionals, this metric is a critical indicator. DAC uses gasoline consumption as one of several core variables to assess vehicle usage trends and aftermarket demand projections across more than two dozen product categories.

According to Andrew King, Managing Partner at DAC, the decline is neither surprising nor alarming when placed in broader context.

“ZEVs still continued to grow their share of the overall light vehicle fleet despite the collapse in their sales for the first quarter of 2025,” said King. “In addition, the slight decline in gas consumption is to be expected in line with a slowing economy as trade-related issues start to impact employment levels.”

Two structural trends are exerting long-term downward pressure on gasoline consumption:

1. Growth in the zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) population, and
2. Gradual increases in fuel efficiency among internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles.

While Q1 2025 saw weakened ZEV sales, their overall share of the Canadian light vehicle fleet continued to increase — part of a slow but steady evolution in fleet composition that will affect servicing, parts replacement, and training needs across the aftermarket.

King also pointed to another key factor: employment.

“With 82% of Canadians using a light vehicle to get to work, change in employment is one of the key variables we will be monitoring this summer.”