The price of gasoline reached a peak of $2.26 on Tuesday in the Bas-Saint-Laurent region, more specifically in the Rimouski sector.
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On the same date in 2021, a liter of gasoline was retailing for $1.24 in the region, while in 2020, it was selling for only $0.88.
However, this increase does not seem to worry the plans of owners of trailers and recreational vehicles, many of whom visited Rimouski early in the season.
A couple from Alberta, met in the region, had already spent 5700 kilometers and more than $2800 in gas since the beginning of their journey. He doesn’t think he will stop. The lovebirds, however, have developed some tricks to save. For example, they reduce their speed in order to consume less fuel.
Another couple of tourists, this time Belgian, have planned to visit Bas-Saint-Laurent, Gaspésie and Côte-Nord in an adapted minivan. Although he has noticed an explosion in the price of gasoline since the start of their trip, refueling is still cheaper than in Europe.
“It’s much more expensive in Europe, for the moment,” said the Belgian.
The president and general manager of Camping Québec, Simon Tessier, affirmed that “the impact [du prix de l’essence] is light”. It does not seem to be felt on the reservations of camping spaces. According to Mr. Tessier, this is because the majority of reservations are made in advance.
But the impact might be felt on less popular weekends during the season.
“These weekends, often, it’s last minute decisions on the part of the camper. We decide to go camping at X, Y place. Now, with the price of gas, I have the impression that some campers are going to keep the reservations they already have and that they are not going to make any extras,” he told TVA Nouvelles. .
Campsites also expect an increase in demand for seasonal pitches. This increase has already been noticed in the past when the price of gasoline was on the rise.
“Which is certain, because it happens every time there has been an increase in the price of gasoline, we expect massive requests for seasonal campsites in the next year,” added the Director General.
