What's causing the country-wide gas hike?

Wednesday, April 23, 2014, 8:02 PM -

Canadians woke up to a huge spike in gas prices Wednesday morning and industry watchers say there may be no good reason for it.

In some places costs jumped by more than nine cents per litre, bringing the average price up to $1.53 in Montreal.

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Vancouver wasn't far behind, averaging out at $1.51 per litre. Meanwhile Toronto's prices seemed like a deal at $1.40 per litre.

Prices are expected to climb even higher Thursday, possibly hitting a three-year high.

Fluctuating temperatures can impact the price of fuel -- especially during the spring, when refineries start to gear up for the busy summer season.

But experts say that shouldn't contribute to an overnight jump of nearly a dime.

According to the CBC, Vancouver’s prices have skyrocketed over the past twelve months, jumping 16.2 cents.

Meanwhile Edmonton, which typically has cheapest gas in the country, has experienced a 22-cent rise since last year.

Experts say prices typically start to fall after Canada Day.

With files from the CBC