Drivers in Quebec got a nasty surprise at the pumps on the night of Dec. 27 as gas prices jumped by 10 to 15 cents per litre -- in some places hitting as high as $1.45 per litre.
CAA Quebec says it isn’t yet clear whether this is a case of price gouging.
Sophie Gagnon, a spokesperson for the organization, said diminishing crude oil and retail profit margins may have played a role in the increase.
But no matter the reason, many drivers CTV Montreal’s Aphrodite Salas spoke to Saturday afternoon were angry about the increase.
Gagnon offered tips for motorists looking to save on gas now that the price has jumped so quickly.
Some retailers will fight to get more customers by not increasing their prices by as much as other places, so shop around if you can, she said.
“Don't speed, just keep very smooth driving manoeuvres so you will definitely be able to save up to 20 to 25 per cent of gasoline so if it's not good the price at the pump at least you can save on your driving habits,” she said.
Gagnon said CAA Quebec will have a better idea of whether prices will drop off once markets reopen on Monday,
She advised motorists to hold off on filling their tanks until next week.
“Usually a situation like that shouldn’t be lasting too long, if it’s not realistic. If it’s too much of an increase, retailers should be going back to a more normal situation.”
