Rising tensions in the Middle East are driving up oil prices, with Quebec motorists already seeing higher costs at the pump.
Gas prices in parts of Montreal climbed by about $0.06 per litre Wednesday compared with the previous day.
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In Kirkland, regular fuel was posted at $1.619 per litre at an Esso station, while a Petro-Canada outlet at Notre-Dame Street and Atwater Avenue listed prices at $1.599 per litre.
On Tuesday, prices on the island were hovering around $1.55 per litre.
The spike follows the escalating conflict involving Iran and growing concerns over the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic passageway that handles nearly 20 per cent of global oil shipments. Tehran has threatened to block the strait, prompting some tankers to slow transit or remain in port.
Brent crude traded at roughly $81 US per barrel Wednesday. Analysts say if oil reaches $100 US per barrel, a scenario they describe as possible if instability persists, pump prices could increase by a further $0.20 to $0.30 per litre.
Further increases are expected if the conflict continues.
