Get ready for higher gas prices in Metro Vancouver as analysts predict a surge in the coming days.
According to Patrick De Haan from GasBuddy.com, drivers can expect a five to 10 cents per litre increase in regular fuel prices within the next 24 to 48 hours. The spike is attributed to issues on the U.S. West Coast, including a refinery shutdown in Southern California and scheduled maintenance at other refineries in the state.
De Haan highlights California’s dwindling number of gasoline-producing refineries, which are expected to decrease further by the end of the year and into the next. This situation spells long-term challenges for gas prices in the region.
The impact has already begun to be felt in the Pacific Northwest, with California refineries facing potential closures due to a stringent political climate in the state.
While short-term relief may be on the horizon with the onset of colder winter months and the resumption of operations at a Washington pipeline, the analyst warns that prices will remain unpredictable as British Columbia looks to alternative supply sources from Japan and South Korea.
Additionally, the weakening Canadian Dollar is contributing to the upward trend in gas prices, affecting consumers at the pump.