I Why is gas so much cheaper in the Fraser Valley than in Metro Vancouver?
I don't drive regularly, but I rented a car this weekend to play football in Abbotsford. I drove from Coquitlam to Abbotsford, and on my way back, I decided to stop for gas.
I was surprised by the price differences I saw:
- Super Save in Abbotsford: $1.64/L
- Shell in Mission: $1.70/L (where I filled up)
- Maple Ridge and Coquitlam: Around $2.07/L
- Coquitlam last night: $2.12/L
That's a pretty significant difference, even between places that aren't that far apart!
I always assumed gas prices across BC would be relatively similar, but this weekend made me wonder what's actually going on.
Is gas genuinely cheaper in the Fraser Valley because of competition between gas stations? Or is there something special about the gas supply in Metro Vancouver that makes it more expensive?
How can the price jump by nearly 50 cents per litre over such a short distance? I'd love to hear from people who understand the BC gas market.