TORONTO – Several Canadian airlines are adding surcharges to passenger bookings in response to increasing jet fuel costs, as reported by CBC News on Tuesday.

Air Canada Vacations is adding a $50 surcharge to all sunny destination packages, effective immediately. Porter Airlines has introduced a $40 fuel surcharge to VIP points bookings, while WestJet will apply a $60 surcharge to all companion voucher bookings starting Wednesday.

Rising Food Prices Linked to Middle East Conflict

CBC News reported that food prices across Canada are expected to increase, driven by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. According to the broadcast, the immediate impact will be felt with fresh produce and some meat and dairy products.

Munther Zade, owner of Winnipeg grocery store Food Fair, stated that shippers and suppliers are adding fuel surcharges, which he is being forced to pass on to consumers. He cited an example of a two-pound bag of onions increasing in price from 75 cents to $1 within a couple of weeks. The broadcast noted that diesel prices have jumped 40 percent since the start of the war, impacting the entire food supply chain.

Shoppers in rural and remote communities are expected to be particularly affected by the price increases. Experts suggest that buying local, seasonal produce as the Canadian growing season begins may help mitigate the impact on grocery budgets.

Several other stories were briefly covered during the broadcast:

  • Iran: Following the announcement of a two-week ceasefire, oil prices fell 15 percent. However, the long-term stability of energy markets remains uncertain.
  • Somali Refugees: Approximately 150 Somali individuals have crossed the border into Manitoba between December and the end of February, seeking refuge from a crackdown in Minnesota attributed to former U.S. President Donald Trump. The Salvation Army in Winnipeg reports that over half of the refugees staying at their shelter over the past six months are from the United States.
  • Meningitis Cases: Invasive meningococcal disease cases are on the rise in Canada, reaching a record low during the pandemic before increasing to at least 155 countrywide infections in 2025. Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, and Quebec have reported the most cases.
  • Cannabis Shop Raid: A cannabis shop on Budledec First Nation was raided by the RCMP, leading to community protests and highway blockades. The community is calling for a resolution regarding the Cannabis Act.
  • Car Theft & Export: An investigation by CBC News revealed a surge in car thefts in Montreal linked to businesses involved in exporting stolen vehicles overseas.