Drivers are taking a beating at the pumps as fuel prices rise yet again, but most should be thankful they don’t need diesel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Approaching $3 per litre for diesel in Kamloops and Kelowna, that’s almost double the price at the same time last year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Drivers were paying an average $1.52 per litre for diesel in both cities last September, but it’s now nearly $2.90 per litre as fuel prices surge across the country, according to the BC Utilities Commission.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n It’s largely due to the war in Iran squeezing world oil supplies through the Strait of Hormuz, but the BC Utilities Commission cites a drop in refinery output elsewhere in the world has also kept prices high.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n The federal government has opted to extend its temporary 10-cent gas excise tax reprieve, which started in April, but prices continue to climb regardless.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A litre of regular gas is averaging $2.02 per litre across BC as of today, Sept. 25, with the lowest Thompson-Okanagan pumps staying below the two-dollar mark, according to GasBuddy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Some Vernon gas stations are selling at around $1.86 per litre, followed by Kamloops at $1.88. It’s higher in Kelowna at a $1.97 per litre and Penticton with $1.99.<\/p>\n\n\n\n