Prowling the Pumps – June 4, 2008

On the case, lurking at service stations across the country to find the lowest and highest gasoline prices in Canada.

Average across Canada

Prices are pretty much the same as last week, only a $0.005 cent drop, meaning our hypothetical 80-litre gas tank cost 40¢ less to fill up this week. However, it’s a 21 percent increase over what we were paying last yea, $18.08 more for our 80-litre fill-up.

Least Expensive Gasoline in Canada (per litre)

After six weeks as the least expensive place in Canada to buy gasoline, Kingston is supplanted by Windsor, which hasn’t made an appearance in the low-cost five since May 6. So it’s Ontario versus Alberta and Ontario’s cheap gas wins over Alberta’s low taxes.

Most Expensive Gasoline in Canada (per litre)

No surprises here. Interesting to note that, since we started prowling the pumps seven weeks ago, the price of gasoline in Labrador City has risen seven percent, for an annualized rate of inflation of 52%. The question is, will the residents of Labrador City be paying $2.06 per litre next April?

As gasoline prices continue to rise, it would appear that consumers are tired of the high cost of fueling SUVs and huge pickup trucks – sales of these vehicles plummeted as much as 69 per cent last month as drivers move to smaller, more fuel efficient vehicles. Consequently, the Big Three North American auto makers are closing down their truck and SUV plants.

Consequently, the Canadian city hit hardest by high gasoline prices is probably Oshawa, Ontario. It’s not a member of the costly five; in fact gas prices in southern Ontario average around $1.29, which is well on the low side for the country. But with it’s truck plant closing, Oshawa will lose more than 2,500 jobs.