Prices at the pump continue to rise in Sask.
Saskatchewan residents may have noticed a peak in gas prices over the past week.
Dan McTeague, president of Canada for Affordable Energy said that’s a common trend across the country right now.
“We’re going to move from where we were a few weeks ago $1.40’s to $1.50’s now to the $1.70’s and likely to move up another 5 to 10 cents a litre over the next several days here in Regina and pretty much across the province,” he said.
McTeague said this trend in the prairies is a direct correlation to what is happening in Midwestern America, with two Chicago spot market refineries having issues over the past couple weeks.
“[This] has a direct bearing on the price we pay here in the prairies. Gas prices in the United States and wholesale prices moved up approximately a dollar a gallon, good for about a 37 cent a litre increase, which explains why we’re probably marching to a $1.90 to $1.95 a litre.”
The prices seen in parts of British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Northwestern Ontario up to Thunder Bay are all impacted by the midwest, while places like southern Ontario, Quebec and the Maritimes are impacted by the eastern United States.
Vancouver has it worse though, setting a record high this past weekend of $2.41.9 cents a litre.
The lower mainland and Vancouver Island are influenced by the Pacific Northwest United States where there are shortages, refineries are running into issues, and on top of that, Vancouver has extraordinarily high taxes on fuel.
However, while Alberta currently sits with the lowest prices in the country, McTeague had a warning for the province.
“Alberta is going to have to be careful because they are going to get a significant shock as it is costing most gas stations there $1.66 to buy their fuel. In Edmonton and Calgary, it’s pretty clear $1.56 means they may be in for a 20 cent a litre shock.”
McTeague added that these prices are going to be staying around a while, predicting Wednesday’s increases will be felt at the pumps.
His website, Gas Wizard, reports daily predictions of gas prices throughout the country.
However, some gas stations in Regina are going above and beyond his predictions.
Residents lined up at the discount gas station on Saskatchewan Drive early afternoon on Tuesday, because some Shell locations across the city posted signs of $1.85 a litre.
“I saw that, that’s why I’m here,” Barry Ferguson told CTV News.
The discount station itself saw a jump, though not quite to the same extent.
“It’s crazy because it was $1.58 here this morning and now it's $1.68,” said Ron Sonan.
“It is cheaper than going to a regular service station,” added Ferguson.
Though residents lined up at the pump, those who spoke to CTV said there’s not much that can be done at this time, but that they don’t see a need to take the same approach as Ontario or Alberta with gas tax cuts.
“Well I’m not really sure how much that’s going to help, it’s just a temporary thing anyway. I know they are having troubles with the refineries,” said Albert Biro.
More than the refineries, McTeague stressed that inflation continues to strain the pockets of Canadians, especially since gas is bought in US dollars.
“Because we are no longer the petro dollar, doesn’t matter if you’re in Saskatchewan, or Ontario or Newfoundland, you’re paying an extra 40 cents a litre because the Canadian dollar no longer protects consumers quite the way it used to.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Ottawa injects another $36M into vaccine injury compensation fund
The federal government has added $36.4 million to a program designed to support people who have been seriously injured or killed by vaccines since the end of 2020.
'Secret report' or standard research? B.C. government addresses safe supply allegations
B.C.’s premier and one of his top lieutenants are pushing back against allegations by the Official Opposition that he covertly commissioned a report into the diversion of safe supply drugs onto the streets.
Video shows suspects waving weapons, smashing glass in Toronto jewelry store robbery
Arrests have been made after five men were captured on video rampaging through a jewelry store in Toronto, waving weapons and smashing glass display cases.
'My stomach dropped': Winnipeg man speaks out after being criminally harassed following single online date
A Winnipeg man said a single date gone wrong led to years of criminal harassment, false arrests, stress and depression.
She was too sick for a traditional transplant. So she received a pig kidney and a heart pump
Doctors have transplanted a pig kidney into a New Jersey woman who was near death, part of a dramatic pair of surgeries that also stabilized her failing heart.
What Canadians think of the latest Liberal budget
A new poll suggests the Liberals have not won over voters with their latest budget, though there is broad support for their plan to build millions of homes.
opinion Why you should protect your investments by naming a trusted contact person
Appointing a trusted person to help with financial obligations can give you peace of mind. In his personal finance column for CTVNews.ca, Christopher Liew outlines the key benefits of naming a confidant to take over your financial responsibilities, if the need ever arises.
'One of the single most terrifying things ever': Ontario couple among passengers on sinking tour boat in Dominican Republic
A Toronto couple are speaking out about their 'extremely dangerous' experience on board a sinking tour boat in the Dominican Republic last week.
Teacher shortages see some Ontario high school students awarded perfect grades on midterm exams
Students at a high school in York Region have been awarded perfect marks on their midterm exams in three subjects – not because of their academic performances however, but because they had no teacher.