Regina drivers welcome sudden drop in gas prices

A sudden plunge in gasoline prices had drivers in Regina rushing to top off their tanks on Thursday.

Prices fell by nearly 40 cents per litre at some pumps compared with prices earlier in the week. GasBuddy’s crowd-sourced listings showed Regina’s lowest reported price at 137.9 cents per litre on Thursday afternoon. Other stations were offering gas at 138.9 and 139.9 cents per litre.

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“I didn’t have a plan to put gas, but when I saw the $1.39, I was like, ‘Whoa,’” Jason Manuel said. “Just turn around and come back here.”

Manuel said he filled up his vehicle about a week ago at Costco, where he remembered paying between more than 150 cents per litre. He said he still had enough fuel in his tank on Thursday to last him a while, but the sudden price drop was too tempting to pass up.

“When I saw it, I was shocked,” Manuel said.

Manuel said it has been about two years since last saw gasoline selling for such a low price, and he was so surprised that he had to spread the news.

“I even phoned my friend already. I even phoned my wife,” he said.

Manuel said other drivers should also take advantage of the price dip.

“Just put it $20, $30, just to feel the $1.39,” he said with a laugh. “I was happy.”

The lower prices in Regina also attracted drivers passing through the city.

Steve Pappas, who was visiting Regina from Calgary, said he recently saw gas selling for around 163 cents per litre near Belle Plaine, so he was surprised to find a price of about 138 cents after arriving in Regina. Pappas said it was “definitely” the lowest gas prices he’s seen during his trip.

“This is the cheapest that I’ve seen for a while,” he said.

Pappas said gas prices in Alberta have varied recently, from about 154 to 179 cents per litre, depending on the area.

“In the wintertime in Alberta, I’ve seen it drop to even $1.10ish in the cheapest areas,” he said. “But there’s always a variation throughout the cities of about 20 cents. You’ve got to find the areas that are cheaper.”

Pappas said he does a lot of driving, and fuel prices can affect whether people decide to travel or stay home. He said the sudden break is especially welcome during the summer, when more families are on the road.

“People are glad to see a break,” Pappas said.

While the lower prices brought some immediate relief, drivers at the pumps were unsure about how long the dip would last.

“Maybe tonight,” Manuel said when asked how quickly prices could rise again. “That’s how fast it fluctuates.”

The drop comes after months of uncertainty in global energy markets linked to the continuing conflict involving Iran. A growing trade dispute with the United States has also raised concerns about the cost of other goods in Canada.

Manuel said it felt strange to celebrate gasoline selling for $1.39 per litre, a price that may not have seemed particularly low just a few years ago.

For now, Manuel said drivers can only take advantage of the savings while they are available.

“We keep hoping, man,” he said. “That’s the only thing we have. It’s hope, right?”