Drivers lining up to save at discount gas stations as prices skyrocket

It’s getting harder to afford basic necessities every day, so what do you do to cut costs?

On Monday, gas prices shot up once again, clocking in at $2.07 per litre in most stations across Saskatchewan.

But you won’t pay that price at every station across the province. One independent discount station in Regina was selling a litre of gas for about $1.87 on Tuesday morning.

Robyn Lang was just getting off her night shift job at about 5:30 a.m., and was shocked to see the price that high.

She summed it up simply.

“It’s insane,” she said.

Even the lower price felt far too high to her.

“I’m not even sure what gas (prices are) at a normal station anymore. I haven’t been to one in months. This is where I come to get gas basically every week,” she said.

With her work hours, she’s luckily able to get there early and beat the rush, as the lineup can be many cars long at times.

“At night and in the afternoon it’s insane how many people are here. That’s why I try to get here right after work in the morning,” Lang said.

When it comes to keeping life affordable, it can be a struggle for her to find ways to cut back on costs.

“There’s not much you can do. I make quite a lengthy commute to work, so it just kind of is what it is to me. I try to save this way, and that’s about all I can do,” she said.

One man said he didn’t mind waking up early or waiting in line to get the discount of about 20 cents.

“Why not? Right now, money’s tight. Prices are going up at the grocery store (and) at the pumps. (You have to) try and save wherever you can,” he said.

Orenda Pelzer stopped in early in the morning. A lineup spilling out into the street isn’t something she’d normally be happy to deal with.

“I wouldn’t line up for that long for it, but at 5 a.m. when I’m already awake, sure,” she said.

She also shared more about how she’s adapting to cut costs.

“We’re definitely trying to drive a little bit less. (We’re) even just thinking about using our car more than our SUV to get out to the lake and go on a longer road trip: ‘Backpacks only, kids. We’re all going to squeeze in,’ ” she said with a laugh.

Gas price analyst Dan McTeague said in an email Tuesday that $2.07 per litre is the highest price gas has ever been in Saskatchewan. He expects it to rise even further.

Record-breaking gas prices mean difficult decisions

Some people are deciding to leave the keys for their vehicles at home.

“My truck is parked, just because of how expensive gas is,” Glenn Pelletier said as he waited for the bus. “(I use a) bus pass, or else I ride my bike or walk. At least I am getting exercise.”

Pelletier says it was an easy decision to make.

“I just couldn’t afford it anymore,” he said. “(The price of gas) is really breaking some people.”

Many people said they found themselves limiting their driving habits as much as possible, even if it made their lives more difficult at times.

Despite the surging costs, some people believe there is a silver lining.

The warmer weather has made it an easier decision to walk places or wait outside for the bus, said Darryl Cashbottom.

“I have been taking the bus for a while,” he said as he fiddled with some change in his hand that he intended to use on his next fare. “Gas prices are just crazy right now.

“As long as they keep rising, I will keep taking the bus.”

— With files from 980 CJME’s Logan Stein