Gas prices up again in Nova Scotia

Nova Scotians are waking up to find gas prices have increased for the second day in a row.

A day after prices jumped about seven cents per litre, they've climbed again by about the same amount; in Halifax a litre of regular gasoline was sitting at a minimum of 119.9 cents. The price of diesel did not change.

Gas prices are typically changed every Friday in this province and based on a seven-day average. However, the Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board announced on Friday it would be invoking the interrupter clause, a provision that allows for sudden price adjustments in cases where there's a need for a significant change — typically of at least five cents per litre or more — in either direction.

Gas prices across North America are soaring in the wake of hurricane weather in Texas that, along with causing at least 31 deaths and creating billions of dollars in damage, has also shut down refineries in that state and elsewhere, which accounts for about a third of all gasoline production in America.

Price jump not a surprise

As they left a farmers market in Halifax, Nancy and Don Shiner said they weren't surprised by the increase given what's happening in Texas.

The couple filled their tank the night before in anticipation of prices going up again. Neither were too concerned about the spike.

"I'm really glad we don't have a great big gas-guzzling SUV," said Nancy.

"It'll go back down," added Don. "I remember when it was $1.48 [per litre] here."

Moncton, N.B., resident Susan Gamble said her plans weren't going to change either — she had to be in Halifax to help drop her daughter off for the start of university.

"It's unfortunate when the price does go up, but it doesn't necessarily indicate a go or no go for us," she said.