NL

Diesel prices soar in Newfoundland as winter blend takes effect

People who use diesel fuel in Newfoundland are in for a rude shock, following a weekly setting that drove prices up by 8.6 cents per litre.

People who use diesel fuel in Newfoundland are in for a rude shock, following a weekly setting that drove prices up by 8.6 cents per litre.

The Public Utilities Board said the adjustment reflects 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 introduced for colder weather.

By comparison, the price of diesel in Labrador is up just 1.2 cents per litre.

In its weekly setting, the PUB raised the ceiling on all grades of gas by up to 3.6 cents per litre.

A seasonal change in blending also affected furnace oil, with prices up by 3.44 cents per litre.

Stove oil dropped by 1.22 cents per litre. Propane dropped by 0.5 cents per litre.