90 Stations in B.C.& Alberta Affected by Petro-Can Gas Shortage

There is a problem at the Petro-Canada refinery in Edmonton, Alberta that has resulted in a gas shortage at the pumps in both Alberta and British Columbia.

The pumps have run dry at approximately 90 Petro-Canada and independent stations in B.C. and Alberta. A problem at the Petro-Canada refinery in Edmonton, Alberta is behind the shortage. Petro-Canada, is working to repair a catalytic cracking unit necessary to refine fuel at the facility that broke earlier this month. There are aound120 people working on the problem doing their best to get the flow started; however, it looks like a week will go by before the refinery is up and running. Calgary gas bar owner John Balanazario and other station owners have been forced to offer higher grade fuels at lower grade prices and absorb the losses out of their own pockets. "It's bad for business, but good for the customers," Balanazario said. Customer Bell Ainsworth said "We produce it here. Why are we running out?" Independent gas station owners are demanding compensation to make up for their growing losses. "People may switch." said Mike Percy, dean of the University of Alberta School of Business. "Whether they switch in the long term, it depends on the convenience of the particular Petro-Canada station."