According to Canadians for Affordable Energy’s Dan McTeague, the reasons behind this price hike include the switch from winter to summer gas formulas, unrest in the Middle East, and the federal carbon tax increase that took effect on April 1.
Every spring, stations switch to summer gas formulas that don’t evaporate as quickly which reduces air pollution.
Reaction to today’s 15 cent per litre were much what you might expect.
McTeague says the RVP or Reid Vapor Pressure of gasoline is required to be lower in order to reduce air pollution. This means that refineries have to produce a different blend of gasoline, which can be more expensive to make.
With the price of gas jumping 15 cents on average overnight, we hit the streets to get your reaction.
For those that we spoke with, the price jump has left them shaking their heads.
Some small relief may come on Friday (April 19) according to McTeague, who predicts a five cent per litre drop.
So how can you save on fuel?
The Canadians for Affordable Energy website provides a few tips, like planning your trips and combining multiple stops into one trip, keeping your car well maintained with regular oil changes and keeping your tires properly inflated as well as taking advantage of loyalty programs and gas rewards.
(Written by: Joseph Goden)