Metro Vancouver gas prices near $2/litre to start week

Drivers around Metro Vancouver may notice gas prices have once again risen across the region.

Some stations posted prices near $2 for a litre of regular Monday morning. Many others saw ranges in the mid-$1.80s.

According to GasBuddy, prices in the region have rise almost six cents in the last week, while the national average fell.

It says refinery issues along the west coast are leading to increases in B.C. The gas supply remains tight for the east coast, though markets there aren’t seeing the same jump.

“We continue to see the national average price of gasoline decline, now for the thirteenth straight week. But, we’re seeing drastically different price behaviors from coast to coast, with some areas seeing noticeable increases while others are seeing decreases,” said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy.

“For now, I believe the drop in prices will overpower the increases, leading to potentially another decline this week, but we’re in a very fragile time and certainly could see a broader move higher in the weeks ahead.”

Gas prices remain far lower than record highs Metro Vancouver saw earlier this year. In some cases, prices for a litre of regular rose above $2.35.

While some provinces opted to ease the pain on drivers’ wallets by temporarily reducing or cutting taxes, B.C. moved to provide ICBC customers with a gas rebate — something some people are still waiting to receive.

As of earlier this month, the public auto insurer told CityNews it had “sent out all relief rebates.”

“If a customer has not received theirs, our Insurance Customer Service team can help re-issue the rebate,” ICBC told CityNews on Sept. 5.

Related articles: 

• Where’s my ICBC rebate? Some drivers still waiting

• Some British Columbians still waiting for ICBC gas rebate, others ineligible

• Driving less? Eating less? How people are coping with the cost of living

In all, about 3.5 million cheques have been issued by ICBC, totalling $396 million.

ICBC customers can reach the Insurance Customer Service team by calling 604-661-2800 or 1-800-663-3051.