Gas prices are shooting up across the country.
The average national price is a $1.33 per litre, but some places, prices are even higher.
In Vancouver, drivers are paying as much as a $1.47.
The recent spike has not hit Prince Albert as of yet, but it is on the minds of people shopping for vehicles.
“It used to be once or twice a week. Now you are hearing four or five (times a) a week, a customer talking about it,” said Rob Dron, co-owner at Shellbrook Chevrolet.
Peter Simpson, General Manager at Frank Dunn Toyota, said he has been fielding a lot of questions lately regarding fuel mileage.
“What kind of gas mileage can I get out of the Toyota Prius? What kind of gas mileage can I get out of a hybrid? Certainly there is a lot of interest in the newer technology and really something more efficient for the long haul,” Simpson said.
Murray Springer at Mann Northway said overall vehicle sales remain strong — people seem to be just changing their shopping habits.
“Some people are trading in for the smaller vehicles. A larger tendency, I would think, is if people have a choice between a four and a six cylinder in a vehicle, more people are tending to take the four-cylinder (vehicle) with the better fuel economy,” said Springer.
Meanwhile it appears some people are looking to trade in their set of four tires, for a pair of two.
Several bicycle retailers in Prince Albert are reporting increased sales this spring.
Aaron Atkinson at Canadian Tire said he is not sure if it has to do with gas prices.
“Mostly it is just because it is nice out and people want to get out and ride their bikes.”
nmaxwell@panow.com
