Why are gas prices so high? [Video]

Gas prices jumped an average of 14 cents per litre overnight, leaving motorists in Waterloo Region surprised.

“[It was] a pretty steep hike in one day. That was a little bit insane,” driver Gianna Casselli said.

Long lineups were seen outside gas stations in Waterloo and Guelph last night as motorists rushed to fill up before the anticipated hike. On Thursday, people like Casselli, were disappointed by the change.

“It was shocking,” Casselli said.

What’s the difference between winter and summer gas?

Climbing to levels not seen in nearly two years, the price is being blamed on the switch from winter fuel to a more expensive summer blend. Experts said that changeover typically results in an increase of about 6 to 10 cents per litre.

“Never in my lifetime have I seen it going up 14 cents a litre, because of this,” Jim Voigt, owner of Columbia Auto Service, said.

According to Voigt, there is a difference between winter and summer fuel. To …