Gas prices have taken a nose dive this week, providing residents of the Lower Mainland with some relief at the pumps ahead of a busy long weekend.
In June 2022, locals faced gas prices starting at an eye-watering 212.6 cents per litre ahead of the Canada Day Long weekend, following a succession of record-setting ones above the $2 mark.
In the last 12 months, gas prices have fluctuated with a high of $2.21 in October last year and a low of $1.56 in December.
Prices topped the $2 mark on June 23, with petroleum experts expressing concerns about climbing costs heading into the start of July and through the summer.
Now, prices at the pumps are roughly 22 per cent lower across the country heading into the holiday weekend. Price-tracking website GasBuddy.com pegged the national retail average price for gasoline at $1.59 per litre on Wednesday — with B.C. residents paying the highest prices and Alberta residents paying the lowest.
Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy, says "revenge travel" -- people eager to go on trips they feel they missed due to the pandemic -- has slowed down, bringing the demand for gasoline lower than it was in 2022.
South of the border, an "economic slowdown and rising interest rates" have made Americans less likely to hit the road, added De Haan.
Drives can fill up their tanks for under $2 per litre at several gas stations across Metro Vancouver ahead of the long weekend.
Where to find cheap Vancouver gas in June 2023 before Canada Day
At the time of publication, all of the cheapest outlets across the Lower Mainland are selling gas for over 190 cents per litre but the top ten cheapest spots are all under the $2 mark.
The cheapest option is a bit of a drive from the city, however, with a Super Save Gas station in Langley selling gas for 192.2 cents per litre. There is also a Canco in Aldergrove selling gas for the same price.
A Canco closer to Vancouver is selling gas for 193.9 cents per litre at 18398 Fraser Hwy. in Surrey.
Aside from the three cheapest options, the six other cheap options in the region are all offering gas at 1949 cents per litre, including a couple of options in Vancouver as well as ones in North Vancouver, Langley, Richmond, and Langley.
With a file from Allie Turner and The Canadian Press.
