Experts predict rise in Vancouver gas prices

Analysts say British Columbians could feel the effects of a massive refinery fire in California at the gas pump this week.

While the fire at a Chevron refinery outside Los Angeles, Calif., was contained by the early morning of  Oct. 3 — not moving beyond the facility’s fence line — the damage has been done.

After prices remained relatively low over the weekend, GasBuddy.com analyst Patrick De Haan now predicts the prices could rise by seven to 15 cents per litre.

He says wholesale prices jumped dramatically Monday, and the change will make its way to most gas stations soon.

“That could hit pumps as early as today,” De Haan said Tuesday.

The refinery, which has been in operation since 1911, can refine up to 290,000 barrels of crude oil per day, including gasoline, jet, and diesel fuels, according to the company’s website.

Gasbuddy says it’s responsible for 20 per cent of all motor vehicle supply and 40 per cent of all jet fuel supply in the Los Angeles area.

The group urged drivers not to rush to gas stations ahead of any price change, warning that a surge in demand could create a surge in prices.

In Vancouver, regular gas is being sold from as low as $1.50 per litre as of Tuesday afternoon.