SASKATOON — Motorists in Saskatoon were caught off guard this weekend as gas prices suddenly jumped by as much as 12 cents a litre.
Drivers had been paying around $134.9, but on Aug. 23 some stations were posting significantly higher prices.
The increase puzzled many, given the elimination of the federal carbon tax and recent reports of average gas prices falling nationally.
Analysts note that pump prices are influenced by several factors, including the Canadian dollar, refinery operations, the global cost of crude oil, transportation costs, marketing costs and margins, inventory levels and local supply problems, as well as higher demand, particularly in the summer months, among others.
Prices varied widely along 51st Street on Friday. Mobil on the Independent Food Store lot was posted at $134.9, while the Co-op Gas Bar showed $146.9. Gas Plus, which an attendant said matches Costco prices on weekends, was selling fuel at $124.9.
Motorists quickly took to social media to vent frustration, voice surprise and question why local prices had spiked.
SaskToday will keep an eye on the situation.
