Toronto and GTA Gas Prices Forecast to Jump Six Cents on September 17

Toronto gas prices are forecast to see a sharp rise for drivers across the Greater Toronto Area on Thursday, September 17.

The price of regular gas is forecast to go up by six cents per litre as Thursday begins. That would bring the price to 189.9 cents per litre at most stations in the region.

The increase had not happened when the forecast was published on September 16. The forecast came from Roger McKnight, chief petroleum analyst at En-Pro International. The final price may differ between stations.

Diesel prices are also expected to rise. The forecast calls for an 11-cent increase. That would bring diesel to 264.9 cents per litre in the GTA.

What drivers can expect

The forecast includes these key changes:

• Regular gas may rise by six cents per litre.
• The new price may reach 189.9 cents per litre.
• Diesel may rise by 11 cents per litre.
• The diesel price may reach 264.9 cents per litre.
• The changes are expected as Thursday, September 17, begins.
• Prices may not be the same at every station.

A six-cent jump can add up for drivers. A 50-litre fill-up at 189.9 cents per litre would cost about $94.95. That is about $3 more than the same fill-up before a six-cent increase.

This is only a simple example. The amount paid will depend on how much fuel is bought and the price shown at the station.

TORONTO GAS PRICES HAVE MOVED UP AND DOWN

Gas prices in Toronto and the GTA have changed several times in September.

CityNews reported that regular gas was 187.9 cents per litre on September 10. It then fell by eight cents on September 11. One day later, the price rose by seven cents.

The forecast price of 189.9 cents per litre would be the highest daily price in the region since May. At that time, regular gas reached 192.9 cents per litre at most stations, according to CityNews.

These quick changes show why the price seen one day may not last for long. A forecast can also change before stations update their signs.

WHY TORONTO GAS PRICES CAN CHANGE

McKnight linked the expected increase to several market pressures. These include refinery output, demand for fuel and changes in global crude oil prices.

The diesel increase was linked to strong freight demand and tighter fuel supplies. Trucks and other large vehicles use diesel to move goods. Changes in supply or demand can therefore affect the price.

Natural Resources Canada says many parts of the fuel market can change what drivers pay.

“There are many factors, apart from the price of crude oil, that also affect the price of retail gasoline,” the federal department states.

Those factors can include the cost of crude oil, refining, taxes, transport and local competition. The value of the Canadian dollar can also affect costs because Canadian fuel sellers compete with buyers in the United States.

Gasoline must pass through several steps before reaching a local station. Crude oil is taken from the ground. A refinery turns it into fuel. The fuel is then stored, moved and sold to stations. Costs can be added at each step.

Prices can also differ from one place to another. A station’s fuel supply, business costs and nearby competition may affect its posted price.

How to check the latest price

Ontario tracks fuel prices in different parts of the province. The province says the prices on its website are collected each week and shown in Canadian cents per litre.

Weekly provincial data may not show every daily change. It can still help drivers compare prices over time and across Ontario markets.

Drivers can also check station signs or a current local price service before filling up. This is important because the 189.9-cent figure is a regional forecast, not a fixed price for every station.

The increases are forecast to begin as Thursday, September 17, starts. Drivers should check the latest local price because the final amount may vary by station.

You might also like

• CityNews Toronto, “Toronto, GTA gas prices set to jump Thursday, diesel rising sharply by 11 cents”
• Government of Ontario, “Motor fuel prices”
• Natural Resources Canada, “Why gasoline prices go up and down”