‘It sucks’: Manitobans react to spike in gas prices

The United States invasion of Iran has caused gas prices to spike across North America, and here in Winnipeg, many fueling up say the pinch at the pumps is hitting hard as prices peak.

“It sucks,” said Darcy Knight, who was purchasing gas in Winnipeg. “It’s not nice. Especially when you’ve got a kid at home and another one on the way. It’s starting to crunch.”

Knight was one of many who were filling up on Monday as fuel prices jumped to $1.49 in Winnipeg, an increase of more than $0.20 when compared to a month ago, according to price-tracking website GasBuddy.

“You don’t know when it’s going to stop. We don’t know if it’s going to hit two bucks or not. Right? It’s hard to say,” said Knight.

The increase is rooted in the ongoing conflict between Israel, the United States, and Iran, as the war is snaring critical, global trade routes like the Strait of Hormuz, where tanker traffic has screeched to a halt off the Iranian coast, and strikes are also taking place on oil-producing facilities in the country’s capital of Tehran.

“An hour ago, we saw the price was just $1.39 … And then we came back, it’s already $1.49,” explained May Zhen, who was getting gas in Winnipeg.

Zhen says she’s seen prices change quickly, but all people can do is try to deal with the increase. 

“You still have to work. You have to drive the kids to school. I guess there’s nothing really much we can do about it,” said Zhen. 

Malcom Preslaw, another motorist getting gas, said, “I drive a lot. I have to drive to work, I have to drive to school.”

Preslaw says the higher costs will come with higher levels of stress, saying the increase is “a lot.”

“Being in high school and also doing MITT as well, it’s pretty expensive trying to commute around and stuff. Especially when just getting my licence. So it’s kind of a pain,” Preslaw explained.

Brian Klump says a $20 fill isn’t going the distance it used to.

“You’re planning your trip a little bit better. Instead of wasting gas, you’re turning the car off when you’re stopped somewhere for a while, instead of letting it run,” said Klump. 

He says more cash at the pumps means less for other necessities. 

“It’s not acceptable to me anyway. It’s just another bill; instead of for groceries, now you’re paying another $40 to $50 bucks at the pump. So yeah, not good.”