It seems like only yesterday that we were practically ready to riot when gas prices in Toronto hit $1.10 per litre. Sadly, that now seems like a bargain as we watched the prices for regular gas sky rocket to $1.20 per litre in Toronto.

Consultants MJ Ervin & Associates attempt to explain away this spike in gas prices with the following:

• The soaring price of oil
• Regular maintenance of the refineries reduce the supply of gas which drives the prices upward
• As the summer months approach the demand for gas increases and supports the higher prices

This all sounds like double-talk to me. I find Liberal MP Dan McTeague’s explanation much more believable. He says that the refiners are plain and simply gouging consumers. He does not see the market fundamentals supporting the rising prices. Look at the facts and decide for yourself.

• A year ago the price for a barrel of oil was $64.00 USD
• The current price for a barrel of oil is approximately $116.00 USD

If this is the reason why we are paying so much at the pumps then why is the price per litre in Toronto $1.20 and according to the latest AAA survey the average price of regular gasoline is at a record high in the US at $3.386 US per American gallon which converts to $0.91 a litre in Canadian money. Why are we paying almost $0.30 more per litre? It’s no wonder that Canadians are flocking across the border to fill up their cars. And we are being warned that we can expect the prices to soar to $1.40 per litre. It’s time that we demanded answers from our politicians and stop just accepting their double talk and nonsense excuses when we can purchase gas for $0.91 per litre in the US.