The price of gas in the Barrie area could jump about four cents, as more refineries close in the wake of Hurricane Harvey.
Dan McTeague of Gasbuddy.com says the price at the pump is expected to go up two cents on Wednesday and another two on Thursday.
“This could be a very long term, gradual increase,” he says. “Well into say the third week of September.”
About 20 per cent of oil production has shut down along the gulf coast. The closures come as Texas continues to deal with mass flooding as a result of Harvey.
McTeague reminds people that things could always be worse for drivers up here.
“I'm sure it's distressful to most motorists, but considering where we were say, Hurricane Ike in 2008, the effect was a 12 cent a liter increase in one swoop. I don't think we're going to see that,” he says.
“I noticed it last night and I didn't need the gas, but today I am taking advantage of it because it's not going to get any better. It’s going to get worse before it does,” one driver says.
Drivers should expect longer lines at the pump in the coming days, as people prepare for the Labour Day long weekend.
