Gas prices have taken a jump at many stations in Kamloops since yesterday.

Many stations are now selling gas for $116.9 per litre.

GasBuddy petroleum analyst Patrick De Haan says this is because the economy is starting to bounce back from COVID-19.

“But all of what’s going on with prices having gone down and now starting to go back up is related to demand fluctuations because of the coronavirus.”

De Haan says generally speaking, more people are increasing the amount of driving they’re doing and therefore are filling up more often.

“Which is perhaps good news for some Canadians in the oil patch, but of course that does mean higher gas prices for thousands of people coast to coast in Canada.”

De Haan also reminds that gas prices in Kamloops were above $1.40 per litre at this time last year.

As for what happens for local gas prices in the summer is yet to be seen.

GasBuddy petroleum analyst Patrick de Haan says Saudi Arabia plans to increase oil output next month.

If that happens, he says prices could “pause” for six-to-eight weeks, as there will be more supply to match an increase in seasonal demand in North America.

“I do think that over the course of the summer, where we go with prices is going to be unusual. Typically gas prices in Canada peak in the early summer or late spring, and then slowly decline over the course of the summer. This year due to the coronavirus I think we started very low and we will continue to move up, as demand rebounds over the course of the summer.”

De Haan says gas prices here will likely be 15-to-25 cents higher by the end of summer, if the economy improves significantly.