Liberals demand gas relief in B.C.

The B.C. Liberals are calling on the NDP government to hit the gas pedal when it comes to gas price relief for consumers.

Members of the opposition party say immediate action is required by John Horgan’s government amid skyrocketing fuel prices and rising unaffordability.

The Liberals are urging the government to take three key actions to address the record prices and provide some relief:

• Temporarily suspend provincial gas taxes.
• Provide a one-time rebate through the Climate Action Tax Credit.
• Suspend hidden ‘import’ taxes on gas brought into B.C. from Alberta.

“John Horgan has been promising to provide people with relief from rising gas prices since 2018. But here we are, fully four years later, and a complete lack of action from the NDP has left British Columbians paying the highest gas prices in North America,” said Peter Milobar, B.C. Liberal Critic for Finance.

Milobar, MLA for Kamloops North Thompson, says gas prices in Vancouver have gone up by more than 90 cents per litre since the NDP first came to power in 2017, and despite world events, B.C. gas prices remain 50 to 60 cents higher per litre than neighbouring jurisdictions.

“The BC Liberals have outlined three straightforward steps that the NDP could immediately take to bring prices under control and help people make ends meet during the affordability crisis. It is time for this Premier to step up, make these changes, and finally deliver on his promises to B.C,” said Milobar.

Gas prices in Vernon hit a new city-high of $1.95.9 a litre this week at some stations, and are averaging $1.87.9 per litre today, down one cent from Monday, according to GasBuddy.com.

Kelowna is averaging $1.95.9 per litre, which is up 7 cents from last week.

Some stations in Metro Vancouver are selling gas for $2.22 per litre, where the average is $2.20.9.