Image: Gas pump / Pattison Media / File

By Peter Milobar, BC United Shadow Minister for Finance

OPINION

YOUR PERSPECTIVE: B.C. once again braces for rising gas prices

Jan 31, 2024 | 8:00 AM

As the cost of living continues to soar, people in the Lower Mainland are once again being told to prepare themselves for rising fuel prices at their local gas stations. The temporary closure of a local refinery is expected to cause an increase in prices for at least a few weeks, while families already struggle to make ends meet.

We’ve unfortunately become accustomed to seeing high gas prices in our region — B.C. has long held the record for the highest prices in the country. The skyrocketing costs in recent years, coupled with the wider affordability crisis have put increasing pressure on everyday British Columbians. Many people have reached a breaking point, wondering what it is going to take for something to change. Wondering when this government is going to take real action to address critical affordability issues like fuel costs.

And while the Parkland Refinery closure may be outside of the NDP’s control, there are many options available to Premier Eby and his government to help lower fuel costs for British Columbians. It’s important to remember that a significant percentage of the per-litre price of gasoline goes to taxes entirely within provincial control. When gas prices skyrocketed at the beginning of 2022, many governments, including our neighbours in Alberta, chose to suspend some of these taxes, lowering costs for consumers. B.C.’s NDP government chose not to provide this kind of relief to people, despite the advocacy of the BC United Caucus.

As such, the price of gas continued to climb, and with it, so did the cost of daily necessities. This process is repeated whenever there’s a spike in gas prices — like that expected over the next few weeks — since every good or service that depends on transportation gets more expensive when the price of fuel goes up, increasing the burden on families.

This is why measures to reduce gas prices are so key to restoring affordability and managing inflation. And it’s why our BC United Caucus is committed to removing the provincial fuel tax here in B.C.

Police incident

Police presence surrounds Hope residence Sunday night

1h ago

Overnight detours on Highway 1

Highway 1 detours through Langley for the next 3 weeks will begin this Tuesday: B.C. govt.

1h ago

Wind warning

Wind warning in effect for the Coquihalla between Hope and Merritt, Crowsnest east of Hope

2h ago

Under the leadership of Kevin Falcon, a BC United government would take immediate action to suspend provincial fuel taxes, resulting in savings of as much as $33 per fill-up for someone with a truck in the Fraser Valley. These are real, tangible savings that would make an immediate difference to people in our community.

British Columbians have waited long enough for this NDP government to take any sort of action on fuel prices. It is simply not fair for our province to continually be put at a disadvantage due to the out-of-control affordability crisis. With another spike in gas prices on the horizon, it’s time for relief to people who need it — and BC United has a plan to deliver results for all of B.C.

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Editor’s Note: This opinion piece reflects the views of its author, and does not necessarily represent the views of Fraser Valley Today or Pattison Media.