Gas prices jump overnight in Saskatchewan, experts and residents react

Prices at the pump have jumped yet again in Saskatchewan. Damian Smith explains the reason behind the spike and how drivers are feeling about it.

After a recent decrease within the last month, Saskatchewan’s prices at the pump had a notable increase overnight.

According to Canadians for Affordable Energy, Regina and Saskatoon saw the highest average price of fuel since June 5. Regina had a rate of 171.9, while Saskatoon had a slightly higher one at 172.9.

“We’re looking at concern by markets that the sudden reversal of fortunes and the strike between Iran and The United States seemed to have broken off any hope of cessation of hostilities and the potential for a reopening of the straits of Hormuz back to the normal that it was prior to the war at the end of February,” said Dan McTeague, the president for Canadians for Affordable Energy.

According to Canadians for Affordable Energy, the price of regular gas is up $0.06 in Saskatoon and Regina, based on the last 30 days. It’s a concern for people that CTV News spoke with that have been used to the relative stability in recent memory.

“It [the extra cost] takes away from other things like leisure and other fun activities you want to do,” said Peter Ash, a Regina resident on his way to Moose Jaw. “It all goes to gas, because some bills you just can’t avoid.”

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“My hometown is three hours from here, so I get down there as much as I can,” said Marty Fisher, a Regina resident. “It’s at least $40-50 more for a tank of fuel to go down there anymore. So, you had to [fill] up three or four times over the summer. I’m just tired. I’m tired of paying more and paying more and getting less, basically.”

To save money on Friday, Regina residents lined up at Regina Discount Convenience & Tobacco, where gas was listed at a city low of 144.9 per litre.

Regina resident Wayne Freeland just got back from Victoria a few weeks ago. He was supposed to take the trip on the road but had shifted to aircraft due to financial reasons.

“Considering the distance, where we would have to gas up so many times, had a couple of motel rooms along the way and then a couple on the way back, it was like $500-700 dollars cheaper to fly,” he said.

According to the Canadians for Affordable Energy website, Edmonton remains the lowest in Canada at 162.9, while Vancouver remains the highest at 193.9. Regina is at 171.9 and Saskatoon is slightly higher at 172.9.

“A lot of [Saskatchewan] gas stations do keep their nose very close to the grindstone,” said McTeague. For that reason, Saskatchewan motorists tend to always be in a position where they’re benefiting in larger cities from slightly lower prices.”

McTeague said he feels the price at the pump won’t rebound until likely the end of the summer.