Unless you don’t own a car, you’re probably aware of the increase in gas prices over the last day or so. I saw an interesting news article this morning on why the price has risen so dramatically and thought I would share it with folks out there in case you haven’t seen it either. It explains why the price has risen but if you want more information on how pricing is decided, then an earlier post on PumpTalk might give you some more context.

In my first blog entry on Pumptalk, I wanted to address some comments made on recent posts. I’ve noticed a lot of the comments centre on pricing issues and our readers question whether prices are set competitively. For someone new to the industry, this really is an important issue – competition in our industry is vital as in every competitive marketplace. Although I hadn’t given pricing too much thought before I joined Suncor and in recently getting my first car, I now understand that our customers are extremely aware of what they’re paying in this area versus other parts of their budget. When you drive up and see those large numbers posted, they tend to take better hold of your attention than in a grocery as you collect item after item.

As we approach another summer long weekend, I’m sure many of us are hoping for great weather and good times with family and friends.  It also means that the rumour mill is starting to churn again that we need to plan ahead and gas prices are going to go up.   I’ve watched long weekend pricing more carefully now for a number of years, and have seen that yes sometimes the prices do go up; but just as often as not they pretty much stay the same or even go down.

I had a typical drive in to work today.  I waited in traffic at the same spots.  I stopped to get my morning tea at my regular stop.  I surfed around on the radio, depending what song was playing.  Yet this morning, while I flipped through the stations, I recognized a familiar trending topic that seemed to be top of mind for everyone.   For me, it’s a topic that marks the official kick-off to summer.  Now for most, that would be the May long weekend, but for me it’s long weekend gas prices.   

We’ve talked about this in the past, but I thought I’d highlight some information out there. 

I realize that for a lot of people, they have their minds made up regarding long weekend gas prices, but it never hurts to look at the information out there.

Love this site – barrels of information.  (Excuse the pun)

A throw back to last year – great information never gets old. 

A good list of Q&A’s – check out question #9.   

I wish you all a fantastic and safe long weekend! 

Photo credit:  suburbanbloke

I’ve been watching, with great sadness, the tragic oil spill in the Gulf. With the situation continuing I wondered how, if at all, this would affect gas prices. Though this video is pretty relative to the US, it gives a pretty good overview of the situation and trading routes that affect supply.