Rising prices fuel driver frustrations at Ottawa gas stations
Ottawa motorists are fuming over the rise in gasoline prices, following a 15 cent a litre increase over the past five days.
And industry experts are warning motorists should brace for a summer of expensive fill-ups, with prices hovering in the $1.80 to $1.90 a litre range.
“It’s ridiculous, just ridiculous,” said Luigi Vigliotti as he filled up the gas tank on Sunday.
Vigliotti says his truck remains parked more often now, due to the high cost of gasoline.
"I bought myself a little Toyota Yaris to go to work with instead of a truck just because of all of the mileage I do during the week for work,” Vigliotti said. “This was supposed to be my new truck but now it’s become my Sunday vehicle.”
Gas prices in Ottawa have jumped 15 cents a litre since last Wednesday, with gas selling for 177.8 cents a litre at most stations on Sunday.
President of Canadians for Affordable Energy Dan McTeague said Friday that gas prices were expected to jump 12 cents a litre over the weekend to 185.9 cents a litre as refineries switch to the summer-blend gasoline, which is more expensive. Prices increased four cents a litre on Saturday, and McTeague said it appeared stations were holding off on the full increase over the Easter weekend.
“It’s very expensive. After this car I’m going to switch to hybrid or electric because that's how much I don't like the gas price,” Nicole Salivi said.
“I just spent $84.50 for 44 litres. I’m happy that I’m driving a MINI, but it is what it is, I suppose,” Gregory Parker said.
If you’re hoping for relief from higher gas prices moving into the summer, experts say the current prices are just setting the stage for an expensive summer for motorists.
”I think $1.80 to $1.90 is the new normal,” McTeague told CP24 this weekend. “We will see, mark my words, $2 a litre on several days throughout the summer this year. So we’re into a new era.”
Predictions like $2 a litre for gas is pushing some to change their summer plans.
“I’m not travelling too much this summer because of the gas prices,” Raissa Leyan said. “Usually I go to Montreal and come back for the weekend, but I don’t know if I can do it.”
Gas prices were sitting at an average of 177.8 cents a litre on Sunday. One year ago, ottawagasprices.com reports the average gas price in Ottawa was $1.20 a litre. In April 2020, gas prices were at 73 cents a litre.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Security guard shot, seriously injured outside of Drake's Toronto mansion
A security guard working at Drake’s Bridle Path mansion in Toronto was seriously injured in a shooting outside the residence early Tuesday morning, police said.
King Charles too busy to see son Prince Harry during U.K. trip
Prince Harry will not be seeing his father King Charles during his current visit to Britain as the monarch will be too busy, Harry's spokesperson said on Tuesday.
Your body needs these three forms of movement every week
Movement is movement, right? Not exactly. Here’s what your body is looking for in addition to your morning walk or yoga session, according to experts.
'It looked so legit': Ontario man pays $7,700 for luxury villa found on Booking.com, but the listing was fake
An Ontario man says he paid more than $7,700 for a luxury villa he found on a popular travel website -- but the listing was fake.
Canadian cadets rock mullets and place second at U.S. military competition
Sporting mullets, Canadian Armed Forces officer cadets placed second in an annual military skills competition in the U.S.
The Met Gala was in full bloom with Zendaya, Jennifer Lopez, Mindy Kaling among the standout stars
The Met Gala and its fashionista A-listers on Monday included Jennifer Lopez, Zendaya and a parade of others in a swirl of flora and fauna looks on a green-tinged carpet lined by live foliage.
Quebec to limit sperm donations per donor after 3 men from same family father hundreds of children
Quebec is looking at tightening the regulations around sperm donation in the province following the release of a documentary that revealed three men from the same family fathered hundreds of children.
How to overcome 'savings guilt' when you're living paycheque to paycheque
As the higher cost of living continues to squeeze household budgets, many Canadians find they have even less left over at the end of every month to squirrel away for the future.
There's actually no such thing as vegetables. Here's why you should eat them anyway
The rumours are true: Vegetables aren't real — that is, in botany, anyway. While the term fruit is recognized botanically as anything that contains a seed or seeds, vegetable is actually a broad umbrella term.