Local News
Rural gas prices slow to drop, but relief is on the way
If you’ve noticed that gas prices in Steinbach haven’t dipped as quickly as in Winnipeg, you’re not alone — and there’s a good reason for it. GasBuddy’s head of petroleum analysis, Patrick DeHaan, says smaller communities often see price changes later than major cities due to a combination of lower fuel turnover and less competition. “It may take some additional time in some of the more rural areas,” DeHaan explains. “Urban areas may see cheaper winter gasoline work through those higher-volume stations a little bit faster. But give it time — most communities should see prices inching downward.” He says the switch to winter-grade gasoline and an increase in OPEC production are both pushing prices lower province-wide. As cooler temperatures set in and driving demand drops, those trends should continue. “I think over the next month or two, we still have a very strong trend downward,” he says. “As temperatures cool off, Canadians tend to stay closer to home, consuming less gasoline, and that should continue to play an active role in pushing prices lower as we head toward the holidays.” Why the delay in smaller towns? DeHaan notes that rural gas stations typically move fuel more slowly, meaning it takes longer for new shipments — and new prices — to reach their underground tanks. “It kind of works both ways,” he explains. “It takes longer for cheaper gasoline to get to rural outlets since they sell through less gasoline. It also takes them a little bit longer sometimes to pass along higher prices. So, it works in both directions.” He adds that fewer gas stations in rural areas can also mean less competition, which can slow price changes even more. Still, he says Steinbach drivers shouldn’t lose hope — relief is coming. “I think everyone’s going to continue to see declines in the weeks ahead,” DeHaan says. “Rural areas may tend to lag behind, but even they should continue to see slow but steady declines over the next several weeks.”