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.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Orca calf that was trapped in B.C. lagoon for weeks swims free
An orca whale calf that has been stranded in a B.C. lagoon for weeks after her pregnant mother died swam out on her own early Friday morning.
King Charles' cancer treatment progressing well, says Buckingham Palace
King Charles III’s doctors are 'sufficiently pleased' with his cancer treatment and he is expected to return to public-facing duties, Buckingham Palace announced on Friday.
AFN chief says Air Canada offered a 15% discount after her headdress was mishandled
After the Assembly of First Nations' national chief complained to Air Canada about how staffers treated her and her ceremonial headdress on a flight this week, she says the airline responded by offering a 15 per cent discount on her next flight.
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau on navigating post-political life, co-parenting and freedom
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau says there is 'still so much love' between her and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, as they navigate their post-separation relationship co-parenting their three children.
DEVELOPING Bird flu outbreaks: WHO weighs in on public health risk
The current overall public health risk posed by the H5N1 bird flu virus is low, the World Health Organization said on Friday, but urged countries to stay alert for cases of animal-to-human transmission.
76ers All-Star centre Joel Embiid says he has Bell's palsy
Philadelphia 76ers All-Star centre Joel Embiid has been diagnosed with Bell’s palsy, a form of facial paralysis he says has affected him since before the play-in tournament.
Island near Mull of Kintyre for sale for US$3.1 million
An idyllic 453-acre private island is up for sale off the west coast of Scotland and it comes with sandy beaches, puffins galore, seven houses, a pub, a helipad and a flock of black-faced sheep.
Regina police officer injured after being accidentally shot by fellow officer's gun
An investigation is underway after a Regina police officer was accidentally shot by a fellow officer’s gun during the search of a house early Friday morning.
Taylor Swift dons Montreal designer's dress in 'Fortnight' video
A pair of Montreal designers' work has now been viewed over 41 million times. Taylor Swift dons a Victorian throwback black gown in her latest music video, 'Fortnight', designed by UNTTLD due Simon Belanger and Jose Manuel Saint-Jacques.