Saskatoon bucked the national trend when average retail gasoline prices dropped 3.7 cents per litre in the past week. Gas prices in the Bridge City on Sunday averaged 125.73 c/L according to GasBuddy.com’s daily survey of 81 outlets.

The head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy.com says, “Canada’s national average price of gasoline edged higher last week, with nearly every province seeing increases.” In a news release Patrick De Haan says the prices were driven up by ongoing refinery issues across North America, particularly in the U.S. Midwest and West Coast, which tightened supply and pushed wholesale costs higher.

The national average that has increased 1.6 c/L in the last week to 134.61 c/L.

As well, pressure has increased with increased demand on gasoline inventories with U.S. air travel disruptions potentially shifting fuel demand and oil prices remaining relatively firm.

He suggests Canadian motorists may not see much immediate relief at the pumps this week.