ST..JOHNS (CBC) - Gasoline prices rose across most of Newfoundland and Labrador Thursday, while consumers in southern Labrador woke up to a case of sticker shock.

The province's fuels regulator raised maximum prices for gasoline by 1.1 or 1.2 cents per litre, depending on rounding for taxes in different geographic areas of the province.

The Petroleum Pricing Office also lifted the price freeze in southern Labrador, which maintains stable prices during the winter season, when transportation to the area is difficult. Gas prices in Cartwright and nearby communities soared 21.3 cents per litre.

Thursday's adjustment brings the maximum cost of self-serve unleaded gas in St. John's and the rest of the Avalon Peninsula to $1.339 per litre.

Prices for the same grade of gas vary in different areas, from $1.364 in central Newfoundland to $1.417 in the Labrador town of Churchill Falls.

The PPO, which has been regulating fuel prices since 2001, cautioned consumers that further hikes are possible, as the "traditional peak demand summer driving season is only three weeks away."

Meanwhile, the PPO lowered the cost of furnace oil by 6.58 cents per litre.

Stove oil dropped by .59 cents per litre, while residential propane was raised by 1.8 cents per litre.

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