Gas prices to skyrocket this week in southern Ontario

Another big jump at the gas pump is expected this week in southern Ontario.

After an increase to $1.699 in the Greater Toronto Area last week, prices dropped and stayed around $1.649 for the last few days, according to affordableenergy.ca.

But prices are set to rise again on Wednesday.

Regular gas will increase by eight cents to $1.729 in the GTA and Hamilton, affordableenergy.ca predicts.

Premium could also spike, up eight cents to hit $2.029.

Diesel will see the biggest jump — up a whopping 12 cents to $2.069.

Prices are similar across southern Ontario. Regular gas is expected to hit $1.739 in Ottawa, and $1.729 in Kingston on Wednesday.

The price hikes come as tensions in the Middle East flare up again.

Oil prices increased after the U.S. and Iran attacks over the weekend and amid confusion over the Strait of Hormuz, with both countries claiming control over the shipping route, according to news reports.

The gas price predictions from affordableenergy.ca are based on former MP Dan McTeague’s 30-plus years of experience in the energy industry.

Photo: engin akyurt