‘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
B.C. tenants evicted for landlord's use after refusing large rent increase to take over neighbouring suite
Ashley Dickey and her mother rented part of the same Coquitlam duplex in three different decades under three different landlords.
Mountain guide dies after falling into a crevasse in Banff National Park
A man who fell into a crevasse while leading a backcountry ski group deep in the Canadian Rockies has died.
Expert warns of food consumption habits amid rising prices
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
MPP Sarah Jama asked to leave Ontario legislature for wearing keffiyeh
MPP Sarah Jama was asked to leave the Legislative Assembly of Ontario by House Speaker Ted Arnott on Thursday for wearing a keffiyeh, a garment which has been banned at Queen’s Park.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Ex-tabloid publisher testifies he scooped up possibly damaging tales to shield his old friend Trump
As Donald Trump was running for president in 2016, his old friend at the National Enquirer was scooping up potentially damaging stories about the candidate and paying out tens of thousands of dollars to keep them from the public eye.
Here's why provinces aren't following Saskatchewan's lead on the carbon tax home heating fight
After Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the federal government would still send Canada Carbon Rebate cheques to Saskatchewan residents, despite Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe's decision to stop collecting the carbon tax on natural gas or home heating, questions were raised about whether other provinces would follow suit. CTV News reached out across the country and here's what we found out.
Montreal actress calls Weinstein ruling 'discouraging' but not surprising
A Montreal actress, who has previously detailed incidents she had with disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, says a New York Court of Appeals decision overturning his 2020 rape conviction is 'discouraging' but not surprising.
Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels and Drake Maye make it four NFL drafts with quarterbacks going 1-3
Caleb Williams is heading to the Windy City, aiming to become the franchise quarterback Chicago has sought for decades.