YOUR PERSPECTIVE: Addressing gas prices key to affordability
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I can barely remember a time when it felt like the price of gas was affordable. We have become so used to sky-high fuel costs that here in the Lower Mainland even prices as unbelievable as $1.85 per litre now seem normal. We reassure ourselves by saying, ‘Well, at least it’s not over $2 right?’ even as we know the devastating impact this visit to the gas station will have on our bank accounts.
For far too many British Columbians, the cost of gasoline is becoming an unmanageable expense, forcing them to decide between filling their tank with gas or putting good food on the table for their families.
And it wasn’t always like this. When the current government came to power in 2017, the average cost of gas in Vancouver was around $1.30 per litre — and it had been relatively stable at that price for the six years before that, making the last few years feel even more painful in comparison.
Clearly, something has to be done to address this problem that is hurting families, not just during their trips to the gas station, but at the grocery store, on their heating bills, and other necessities. Our BC United Caucus spent months calling on government to address this crisis and deliver tangible results and relief to British Columbians. Unfortunately, despite our many recommendations on the topic, the NDP refused to follow our advice.
