Local residents feeling pain at the pumps as gas prices spike

Since the invasion of Iran began in February, Kawartha Lakes residents are feeling the pinch at the pumps – and elsewhere.

In reaction to the invasion, Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz, where 20 per cent of the world’s oil supply passes through. With this passageway choked off, and fears of a prolonged war, it’s made oil a pricey commodity with noticeable local implications.

Mina Coons, who lives in the Snug Harbour area north of Lindsay, was shocked to see gas prices rise from $1.66 a litre to $1.72 a litre overnight.

“It really makes you think twice if you need to go to town or not,” the retired Lindsay-area resident says. “I can’t imagine people who have to use diesel fuel.”

Coons says she’s been acutely aware that it’s not just at the pump where the pinch is being felt. “I noticed bread was up 50 cents, too. It’s the cost of the diesel to get the trucks there. It’s absolutely mental, what this invasion (of Iran) has caused,” she says.

Coons notes she always puts her groceries on her PC card and says it’s been about $200 higher over the last month, before the invasion started. “I try and buy my meat on sale but it’s just the way it is.”

Jordynn Rehel-Sutherland lives in Oshawa, but commutes to Lindsay for work a couple of days per week. “It’s tough to try and make that extra payment to fill up, and I’m obviously cutting back how much I’m putting into my car and trying to limit how much I’m driving,” she said.

The former Little Britain resident is grateful that she has the ability to work remotely. “I’m allowed to kind of pick and choose when I go in, and I’m able to meet my colleagues online rather than in person, but there are times where I do have to justify making the drive up.”

Unlike Coons, she hasn’t noticed her grocery bill going up yet, but she won’t be surprised to see it increase soon. “If gas prices are going up, it’s going to be more expensive for 18-wheeler transport shipments to go where they need to go and make deliveries,” said Rehel-Sutherland.

With gas prices rising, and the other expenses she has like rent and tuition, every dollar she can save counts.

Tejas Shah, owner of the Esso at 433 Kent Street West in Lindsay, says while he understands the frustration customers have felt at seeing prices at the pump, he wishes there was more understanding that he’s not the one who sets the prices.

Fuel prices for customers change at midnight. “For me, my pricing fluctuates daily, so I may catch a load at a high price,” said Shah. He orders 60,000 litres of fuel at time, making it hard to predict if he’ll make money.

Shah also said that with multiple gas stations in town, some may get lucky and order their fuel in when it’s cheaper. When that happens, “they’re going to start dropping (prices) to have a competitive edge, whereas I may be lagging behind.”

The business he’s in is a competitive one. “If (customers) are driving out towards Peterborough they’re going to Costco. If you work and your commute is through Oshawa or Toronto, then you know that on your commute, some (stations) are cheaper. No one’s loyal to a certain station. When this kind of stuff happens, they’ll go wherever they can to save four cents.”

While most customers have been understanding about the situation, Shah has had some customers who just won’t listen to the fact that employees do not set the prices. “Just be patient with retailers. None of us are out to gouge,” he said. “I love my customers, and I’m here to serve them. I serve them as best as I can some days are bad, but I know the good days also come around.”