Some Winnipeg gas stations are increasing the price of a litre of gasoline to a record $139.9, while some station owners are now moving to a pay before you pump system.
CTV News has learned at least one gas station on Portage Avenue and several more on McPhillips Street near Inkster Boulevard have hiked their prices.
To this point gas prices have been hovering at around the $136.9 range.
CTV News is out checking different gas stations throughout the city and is finding that prices do vary. Many stations are still at the $136.9 mark, while the Domo at Academy and Niagara in River Heights is at $133.9.
High prices fueling 'gas n' dash'
Some Manitoba gasoline stations want the government to step in with rules to prevent a growing crime called 'gas n' dash' -- where customers fill their tanks then take off without paying.
The high cost of fuel is also fueling the crime as gasoline becomes more valuable.
Darius Hall who owns a gas station on Prawda, wants a 'pay before you pump' rule to become mandatory across the province - a rule his station has already put into place.
"Lately it's been almost every day -- someone trying to steal," Hall told CTV's Joe Olafson. "It's gotten so bad we've had to switch to pay first."
Hall believes his is one of the first stations in the province requiring customers to pre-pay -- either at the pump with a card, or inside -- 24 hours a day.
He says if other gas stations in Manitoba follow suit it would save businesses money and make it safer for employees.
In 2005, Grant De Patie was dragged to death trying to stop a gas and dash in Maple Ridge, British Columbia.
His case inspired "Grant's Law" in B.C. which makes it mandatory for drivers to pay before they pump.
The B.C. Federation of Labour says since it was implemented in February gas thefts have already dropped.
Darius Hall wants the Manitoba government to enact the same kind of legislation here.
If every station was forced to make the change, Darius predicts customers wouldn't mind -- that it would simply become second nature to pay before they pump.
Rule on Manitoba's radar
Assistant Deputy Minister of Labour Don Hurst said looking at the idea is on the government's agenda as it reviews its Workplace Safety and Health Act.
"We have talked to a number of retailers in Manitoba who have raised the issue of gas n' dash," said Hurst.
Hurst said there is already legislation in place to protect gas station workers.
"Manitoba was the first province in the country to implement requirements for workers working alone," he said.
With a report from CTV's Joe Olafson.
