The lure of cheaper gasoline and diesel fuel is bringing lots of Ottawa motorists across the border to Quebec.

Before Ontario's harmonized sales tax came into effect on July 1, Ontario drivers paid the five per cent federal goods and services tax for gasoline, on top of the provincial and federal excise taxes. Now that the GST has been blended with the provincial sales tax under the HST, gasoline is taxed eight per cent more.

Eric Belair, who owns a gas station on Mont Bleu near Highway 50, says his gasoline and cigarette sales have skyrocketed since the HST in Ontario kicked in on July 1.

"It has been a lot busier here," Belair told CBC News. "I mean our gas is selling about 20,000 to 25,000 litres more a week. It's been very busy and it's made a big difference … I'm hoping it stays like that."

As far as Belair is concerned, the turnabout is fair play. Not that long ago, Quebec drivers were heading to Ontario for cheaper gasoline.

"It's good," he said. "Finally we're going to benefit from what they used to benefit from. So for me it's good. I'm selling more and it's more in my pocket."

Larry Lavallee, an Ottawa contractor filling up in Gatineau, said he can't afford to pass up the savings.

"I've got to come on this side if it's less expensive," he said.

With files from Omar Dabaghi-Pacheco