Gas prices soar ahead of Alberta gas tax, federal carbon tax increases [Video]

Less than a week before an increase in the provincial gas tax, prices are soaring in many Alberta cities.

In Edmonton, some gas stations raised prices to 151.9 on Tuesday.

“What we’re seeing … is very seasonal in nature,” said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at Gas Buddy. “Canadians (are) starting to get out more and more, demand for gasoline is going up across much of North America. Refineries are also transitioning to cleaner, more expensive blends of gasoline that are required for the summer driving season.

“Lastly … refinery maintenance is also happening. Refineries generally do maintenance before the summer driving season to make sure they’re able to crank up enough gasoline,” De Haan explained.

“All three of those things — demand, refinery maintenance and the transition to summer gasoline — generally push prices up almost every February, a trend that can last through April and May.”

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