Gas prices continue to increase and at this point, it may leave drivers feeling like there's no end in sight.

Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at Gas Buddy attributes it partly to oil production having slowed down during the pandemic and remaining that way.

As Albertans returned back to work and roadways returned to normal, it didn't make for a good combination.

"Prices have continued to go up as gasoline demand continues to climb. Oil production, meanwhile, lagging behind. It's that imbalance between supply and demand that has pushed oil prices up to the highest level since 2015 and is driving prices up," said De Haan.

He expects prices will continue to rise in the near future.

"I don't think we'll see any sizable downturn in price for several weeks, if not several months until autumn is here, and that's when we start to see gasoline demand drop as Canada's vacations wrap up, as kids go back to school."

As usual, Costco's prices are around ten cents cheaper than most places.

According to De Haan, it's something they can afford to do just based on how much they offer in addition to gas, with shoppers often buying a membership to get in on the cheaper gas and sticking around to shop inside.

"Make no mistake, they likely aren't losing money but they're certainly not making as much money outside, but certainly when people go inside. Getting people to shop on items that are higher margin is something that has worked out well for them."

For now, it looks like drivers will have to wait around until the fall for a bit of relief.

If you're hoping to see a return to the prices we saw during the peak of the pandemic, however, De Haan said you shouldn't hold your breath.

"Keep in mind, we will not return to prices we saw a year ago when we dipped under a dollar a litre. Those are pandemic prices that likely will not come back for quite some time, if ever."