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Canada’s annual inflation rate accelerated to 2.4% in March, Statistics Canada said on April 20, with prices jumping 0.9% month‑on‑month — the biggest monthly increase in 14 months.
A sharp spike in gasoline prices, driven by crude supply disruptions linked to the Iran war and near‑closure of the Strait of Hormuz, pushed gasoline up 21.2% from February and 5.9% year‑on‑year.
Food prices also contributed, with store‑bought food up 4.4% and fresh vegetables rising 7.8%. Core measures remained calmer: the CPI‑median held at 2.3% and CPI‑trim eased to 2.2%. Comparisons were partly muted by the removal of a carbon levy in April 2025.
The Bank of Canada has signalled it will look through an initial energy‑driven spike; money markets expect no rate change at the upcoming meeting and price in a modest hike by year‑end.
The Canadian dollar and two‑year government yields showed only small movements following the release.
A temporary federal fuel tax cut (about 10 cents per litre) begins April 20, aimed at softening the pump‑price impact on households.







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