‘It’s disheartening:’ Gas prices creep higher as long weekend approaches

Just in time for Thanksgiving, the price of gas is rising as fuel gauges are falling.

On Wednesday, gas prices at some Saskatoon stations were at $1.75.7 per litre, while drivers in Regina were paying $1.85.9 per litre, according to GasBuddy.com.

The price of a litre of regular gas has increased by about 30 cents over the past two weeks.

Tyler Knibbs said it’s difficult to see the price of gas begin to creep up once again.

“It’s disheartening, especially since we were seeing it come down for a little bit and everyone got super-hopeful,” he said. “Maybe it will level out and we won’t have to worry so much about it, and then it just shoots right back up.”

Knibbs has pulled money out of other areas of his budget to put into his gas fund, but the high cost of living has taken a bite out of his wallet.

As a person in his 20s, Knibbs said many other people his age struggle with gas expenses.

“The future in Canada for people my age is seeming more bleak as we go further and further into the decade,” said Knibbs.

More people have been riding E-bikes, cycling or walking, according to Knibbs. The transit system is often used as a last resort because of poor routes and wait times, he said.

Kathy Mastrangelo walked away from the till Wednesday with an $82 receipt.

“When gas prices were semi-normal, it was more like between $40 and $60,” said Mastrangelo. “It feels like double the cost right now. You almost don’t want to drive.”

Gas prices ticking higher frustrates Mastrangelo, and dishing out more money each time the hose goes in the tank drains her pockets even more. Mastrangelo is most angry for the oil and gas companies who set the price.

“I’m not very happy with them, I think they are a bunch of money-hungry people,” said Mastrangelo.

Kayden Keshane’s gas-guzzling van costs him $130 to fill each time. Instead, Keshane fills up for each day at work in $30 increments.

“It’s getting a little bit ridiculous, I’d like to think. It’s getting a little bit hard on the pockets, that’s for sure,” said Keshane.

Keshane drives to work when he’s not working remotely, and when he does, the van guzzles $30 of gas.

“I’m looking to take some alternative, shorter routes (or) taking the bus a little bit more, but the bus tends to get expensive too,” said Keshane.

Taking the bus is an occasional option for Keshane, but he said it takes more time with inefficient bus routes.

“The city’s transit system isn’t the best. Especially in the winter, the buses tend to be late,” said Keshane.