‘Extremely painful’: Sky-high gas prices impacting B.C.’s transportation industry
For Mary and Konstantin Kleiner, who own a family-run moving and storing business in B.C., another surge in gas prices has hit particularly hard.
“It’s extremely painful,” said Konstantin. “I think we’re spending an extra $2,000 to $3,000 a month just on gas.”
And they're not the only ones whose ability to earn a living is being impacted
Uber driver Abdul Ahidarian tells CTV News he’s considering a new career.
“I don’t know what I should do,” he said. Despite working more than 10 hours a day, Ahidarian says he’s barely getting by.
“All day you’re driving for nothing,” he said.
On Thursday, gas prices in the Lower Mainland and Greater Victoria soared to 239.9 cents per litre. On Friday, the price went up again. Some stations in Vancouver were advertising a litre of regular for 241.9 cents, marking the second consecutive day the region set an all-time record.
Despite a slight dip Saturday, prices remained sky-high.
Analysts say the main cause for the recent spike in fuel prices in Metro Vancouver and beyond is a result of supply issues south of the border.
“The U.S. refinery production output on the west coast – so that’s Washington State, all the way down to California -- is down 15 per cent from normal,” said Dan McTeague, an analyst from Gas Wizard.
“All we can hope is that some of the unplanned shutdowns that have occurred over the past several months get fixed very soon,” added Paul Pasco, principal consultant at Kalibrate.
But that's not the only reason. A recent price surge in ethanol, the impacts of Hurricane Ian, plus a weakened Canadian dollar have contributed to the cost of gas across Canada, analysts say. B.C., however, remains on average, the costliest place to fuel up in North America.
“Gas taxes are the highest, bar none,” said McTeague, regarding the cost to fill up in Vancouver.
Despite the near 50-cent, record-setting increase over the past month, McTeague does forecast a decline.
“We could be back to $2.15 or $2.20 likely by the mid part of October, unless some other unforeseen event takes place,” said McTeague. “And there have been a lot of them.”
Months ago the NDP government provided British Columbians with a one-time rebate meant to offset the surging costs. CTV News reached out to the province to inquire if another round of financial support is being discussed.
“I understand that these major fluctuations in prices at the pump are a real challenge for people,” read a statement from Bruce Ralston, Minister of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation.
The statement also cited “two ICBC rebates” and removing tolls on the Port Mann and Golden Ears bridges as actions the government has taken to help drivers.
The emailed statement did not say whether British Columbians will receive additional support.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Widow looking for answers after Quebec man dies in Texas Ironman competition
The widow of a Quebec man who died competing in an Ironman competition is looking for answers.
Tom Mulcair: Park littered with trash after 'pilot project' is perfect symbol of Trudeau governance
Former NDP leader Tom Mulcair says that what's happening now in a trash-littered federal park in Quebec is a perfect metaphor for how the Trudeau government runs things.
World seeing near breakdown of international law amid wars in Gaza and Ukraine, Amnesty says
The world is seeing a near breakdown of international law amid flagrant rule-breaking in Gaza and Ukraine, multiplying armed conflicts, the rise of authoritarianism and huge rights violations in Sudan, Ethiopia and Myanmar, Amnesty International warned Wednesday as it published its annual report.
Photographer alleges he was forced to watch Megan Thee Stallion have sex and was unfairly fired
A photographer who worked for Megan Thee Stallion said in a lawsuit filed Tuesday that he was forced to watch her have sex, was unfairly fired soon after and was abused as her employee.
Amid concerns over 'collateral damage' Trudeau, Freeland defend capital gains tax change
Facing pushback from physicians and businesspeople over the coming increase to the capital gains inclusion rate, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his deputy Chrystia Freeland are standing by their plan to target Canada's highest earners.
U.S. Senate passes bill forcing TikTok's parent company to sell or face ban, sends to Biden for signature
The Senate passed legislation Tuesday that would force TikTok's China-based parent company to sell the social media platform under the threat of a ban, a contentious move by U.S. lawmakers that's expected to face legal challenges.
Wildfire southwest of Peace River spurs evacuation order
People living near a wildfire burning about 15 kilometres southwest of Peace River are being told to evacuate their homes.
U.S. Senate overwhelmingly passes aid for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan with big bipartisan vote
The U.S. Senate has passed US$95 billion in war aid to Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan, sending the legislation to President Joe Biden after months of delays and contentious debate over how involved the United States should be in foreign wars.
'My stomach dropped': Winnipeg man speaks out after being criminally harassed following single online date
A Winnipeg man said a single date gone wrong led to years of criminal harassment, false arrests, stress and depression.