Gas prices are spiking across Canada just ahead of the Easter long weekend, and Vancouver drivers are feeling the most pain at the pump.
Dozens of Metro Vancouver gas stations listed prices of $1.50 per litre and higher Thursday afternoon, according to website VancouverGasPrices.com.
An Esso station on SE Marine Drive hit $1.559 per litre – the most expensive gas in the region.
A local gas and energy analyst said it’s no coincidence the costly increase comes in time for a busy travel weekend across the country, but there is relief in sight.
“I think there’s a good chance that the prices may start to clamber back down slowly but surely, especially after the Easter long weekend,” said Dan McTeague. “When demand slackens off and supply continues to increase it means that those who are selling these products are going to have to shave their margins a little bit and bring them back to where they were.”
The cheapest fuel could be found at gas stations across Aldergrove, where a Chevron and two Co-op stations listed prices of $1.399 per litre.
Across Canada, prices rose to $1.249 in Calgary, $1.399 in Toronto while Montreal prices dropped to $1.479.
According to McTeague, gas prices in Canada are the highest they have been in three years.
