Heading out for the May long weekend? Here’s what to expect for gas prices

globalnews.ca:

Canadians hitting the road this May long weekend won’t need to worry too much about a big jump at the gas pump before making their trip, but analysts say those hoping for a drop likely won’t see one, either.

As of Thursday, the average gas price for Canada was about $1.625 to $1.639 per litre — the number ranges based on data from fuel price tracking websites GasBuddy.com and GasWizard.ca, respectively.

Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis for GasBuddy, told Global News there are various factors that have led to an improvement in gas prices compared to the peak seen mid-April.

This includes switching from the winter to summer gas, with refineries increasing output and the end of maintenance season, which also means more production.

“I will say there could be some minor fluctuations, but at least for now, it looks like there should be broad relief,” De Haan said.

Despite some relief, GasBuddy said in early April there was “virtually zero chance that gas prices will ever fall below $1 per litre again.”

The prices vary depending on where you live. GasBuddy’s gas price tracker showing the most expensive cost is in B.C. where people are paying about $1.897 a litre on average, compared to $1.599 in Ontario or as low as $1.415 in Manitoba.

Though the long weekend means more people on the road, GasWizard’s Dan McTeague, who also is president of Canadians for Affordable Energy, said gas prices right now will reflect what’s happening in the markets. He said Canada’s seen a week-over-week decrease of about two to three per cent, though will likely see a $0.01 increase on Friday and potentially another jump of the same amount Saturday or Sunday.

GasWizard is expecting a range of changes, with Toronto expecting a $0.01