Residents in Strathmore have been complaining of the recent surge in gas prices that has come just days before the anticipated fuel hikes that will start on April 1. 

According to GasBuddy, the cheapest price for gas in town currently stands at $146.9 per litre but some gas stations are charging upwards of $154.9. 

When compared to a previous gas report earlier this month, the cheapest price for gas in Strathmore was $1.399 per litre; since then, prices have increased. 

Now, as of 11:45 a.m. on March 26, the cheapest gas in town is $146.9 per litre at Co-op, Hi Ho Gas Station, Mobil, Fas Gas, Husky, Esso, and Petro-Canada. 

The most expensive gas station in town is Shell (310 Ridge Road and 3rd Street) at $154.9 per litre. 

More increases are expected to come because last week, the Government of Alberta announced that the fuel tax relief program will be ending on April 1 and that the fuel tax will be reinstated in full at 13 cents per litre. 

The same day that the pause will end is the same day that the federal carbon tax is expected to rise. Currently, carbon pricing is set at $65 per tonne, and come April, that price will rise to $80 per tonne. 

According to the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA), the daily national average for gas prices in Canada today is $156.7 per litre.  

Now that gas prices are continuing to increase, it will be important to conserve fuel as much as possible. 

CAA offers some fuel-efficient driving tips, including: 

  • Accelerating smoothly—avoid jackrabbiting and hard breaking. Take five seconds to accelerate your vehicle up to 20 km/hr from a stop. 
  • Reduce speed – driving at a lower speed can reduce fuel consumption. 
  • Combine trips - take some time to plan your route and combine many stops into one trip. 
  • Good maintenance is important – a poorly maintained vehicle can increase fuel consumption by 25 percent. 

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