Gas-price record broken again in Metro Vancouver

The pain at the pumps just keeps getting worse for B.C. drivers.

Gas prices reached yet another all-time high in Metro Vancouver Friday, rising to 216.9 cents per litre, beating the previous record set in March of 214.9.

“It’s ridiculous,” said Kimberly Lindsey, who was fueling up her vehicle in Langley.

“I can’t even imagine how people feel if they’re commuting downtown Vancouver or commuting hours for the job. I don’t know how people are doing it."

Metro Vancouver has the highest prices in the country according to Gas Wizard, a Canadian gas-price prediction website, though Victoria is only a few cents behind.

“I just watch every time I travel somewhere I go the shortage distance, and there’s no question gas prices are out of control,” said Eric Warkentin as he pumped gas.

Driver Susan Niver said she puts in as little gas as possible.

“It’s terrible. I feel for the younger people there’s so much expense for them."

Experts and B.C.'s premier have largely blamed the Russian invasion of Ukraine for a trickle-down impact felt across the globe for the surging prices.

Rising oil costs and ongoing supply issues are also factors.

A carbon tax increase took effect in B.C. in April, bringing that tax up to 11 cents.

Experts say the summer driving season is also now underway, which means refineries are going to charge a premium to produce gasoline.

Back in March, Premier John Horgan announced a $110 rebate to most ICBC customers, in an attempt to provide some relief.

That move faced a lot of criticism from the Opposition Liberals for being too little too late.

“We all know the war in Ukraine has had an impact on prices," said Peter Milobar, the BC Liberal finance critic.

“But when we see our neighbouring jurisdictions 50, 60, 70 cents a litre cheaper than us, there’s obviously also British Columbia government policy and taxation at play that is tipping the scales so heavily against people’s pocketbook,” he said.

The B.C. Trucking Association said the spiking gas prices also mean consumers will pay more for almost everything as the cost of transporting goods rises.

“When you come out of that grocery store, what you’re going to see again is those incremental price increases," Dave Earle, president of the association explained.

“Five cents there, 10 cents there and all of a sudden you bill looks a little bigger than it did last week or last month."

Meanwhile, those signed up for direct deposit will get their ICBC rebates this month.

Everyone else is expected to get their cheques in June.