Diesel costs jump sharply with annual switch to winter blend

The cost of getting around Newfoundland and Labrador for drivers who rely on diesel jumped Thursday, as a seasonal mixture took effect.

The Public Utilities Board raised the ceiling for the price of diesel on Newfoundland by as much as 11.4 cents per litre.

In Labrador, prices are up by as much as 4.6 cents per litre.

The PUB said the hikes reflect a seasonal change, with diesel on the island now a blend of 75 per cent ultra-low sulphur kerosene and 25 per cent low-sulphur diesel.

Seasonal mixtures are sold at this time of year so that vehicles can adapt to colder weather.

The price of gas has also changed slightly, with an increase of just 0.3 cents per litre.

Furnace oil was up more substantially, with a hike of 2.86 cents per litre. As with diesel, a seasonal formula has been introduced for colder weather.

Stove oil is up 3.3 cents per litre, while propane is up 1.1 cents per litre.

The following chart tracks local changes in gas prices over the last 12 months.