B.C. gas price surge effectively erases consumer carbon tax relief
British Columbia drivers are again facing high gas prices, with costs quickly returning to pre-carbon tax cut levels after a brief period of relief.
British Columbia drivers are again facing high gas prices, with costs quickly returning to pre-carbon tax cut levels after a brief period of relief.
As of Thursday, prices across Metro Vancouver hit 177.9 cents per litre and are set to rise another four cents overnight to 181.9, according to petroleum analyst and former MP Dan McTeague.
That would mark a 24-cent increase in only one week.
Gas prices initially decreased by 17 to 20 cents per litre at the pump. However, these reductions have disappeared within one month.
Premier David Eby announced in March that B.C. would drop its provincial carbon tax, following Prime Minister Mark Carney’s decision to pause the federal version ahead of a spring election call.
Despite reducing the carbon tax, Premier Eby publicly praised its environmental benefits while simultaneously labeling the policy as "divisive," echoing Carney's rhetoric.
The move was expected to give drivers immediate savings at the pump during the election.
Gas prices have rebounded quickly due to factors such as increased fuel demand in the US, a weaker Canadian dollar, and a California refinery fire, ending a brief period of relief.
The Valero refinery in Benicia, California had a fire last week that severely damaged a unit responsible for producing gasoline.
That disruption, combined with already tight supply and growing seasonal demand, has had ripple effects throughout western North America.
A year ago from now, gas prices in Metro Vancouver averaged $2.02 per litre, prices today remain about only 20 cents lower showing a continued closing of the pre-carbon tax relief gap.
Metro Vancouver gas prices have returned to levels seen under the previous BC NDP carbon tax.
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There is something fishy with these reasons. In the past month the price of gas in Washington has gone up 3 cents per gallon . Canadian dollar down a cent ,thats 4 cents Per gallon not liter
Its is not unusual in Chilliwack to see price go up 15 cents per litre at all stations overnight .Like it did after they fire in California. There is not a gas shortage. That is 57 cents US gallon . why does nobody in the media investigate this?
Paid 128 in Haliburton this AM . What you expect in BC . NDP .