Winter weather in U.S. impacting Metro Vancouver fuel supply

As some gas stations in Metro Vancouver are posting zeros on their price signs, an industry expert is chalking it up to the bad winter weather that has hit parts of the United States.

Callers told CityNews Tuesday that two stations in West Vancouver appeared to have been out of fuel.

In an email to CityNews, gas analyst Paul Pasco says any shortages are likely because of stalled shipments as a result of bad weather in the U.S. He noted something similar happened in the summer due to supply-chain issues.

“Weather-related issues in the US have led to several refinery shutdowns that are impacting supply. This is combined with increased demand due to holiday-related travel,” Pasco said.

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• Gas prices up in Metro Vancouver, expected to jump further in New Year

In August, numerous gas stations throughout Metro Vancouver were without gas as prices dropped and demand was up heading into the B.C. Day long weekend. At that time, scheduled maintenance of a Washington State refinery was the primary driver.

Meantime, gas prices in the region are expected to increase heading into the new year.

According to the website GasBuddy, prices in Metro Vancouver shot up an average of 10 cents per litre in the last week, while the national average only saw an increase of three cents.

Analysts warn that as China reopens its economy, worldwide demand may push the price of fuel even higher.

On Tuesday, the price for a litre of regular gasoline is ranging between $1.55 and $1.63, according to GasBuddy.

-With files from Sonia Aslam and Charlie Carey