Gas prices spike in Metro Vancouver, Victoria

Gas prices have spiked in Metro Vancouver and Greater Victoria, and experts say the high prices may persist for weeks.

DanMcTeaguewith the price-trackingwebsite, Gasbuddy.com, said the price increases are due to supply issues stemming from a maintenance shutdown at aWashington state refinery.

McTeague said the Phillips 66 refinery in Ferndale, Wash. is shuttered, and another refinery, BP's Cherry Point, is expected to close Monday for the same reason.

As a result, the steep gas prices will stay a while.

"I don't see it coming down again for the next couple of weeks," saidMcTeague.

On Saturday, prices at Vancouver gas stationswere above $1.40 a litre, while in Victoria they topped $1.31 per litre.

"It's not a pretty situation at all," he said. "You're looking at substantially higher gas prices."

McTeague said consumers may be hit with another hike after mid-April, when refineries switch tosummer gasoline blends, which are pricier.