Prices spiked at several stations across Nanaimo on Tuesday afternoon, a majority of which were at 226.9 cents per litre. (Alex Rawnsley/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

MORE PUMP PAIN

Gas prices take another leap into record territory across Nanaimo & central Island

May 17, 2022 | 2:17 PM

NANAIMO — It’s yet another spike for the price of gasoline and there appears to be no end in sight.

Prices leapt to 226.9 cents per litre at many stations across Nanaimo on Tuesday, May 17, the second major jump in prices this month after a litre of regular gasoline crossed the $2.00 threshold on May 4.

Similar jumps have taken place all across the Island with stations in Parksville, Qualicum Beach and Ladysmith all comfortably in the 220’s.

“I think it’s fair to say most Canadians are taking a pounding on this and it’s not the ones who drive for kicks and giggles, it’s the ones that need this to get to work…and it will be long term,” Dan McTeague of predictive website Gas Wizard, said.

The average price of regular gasoline across the country rose to an all-time high of 197.4 cents per litre Tuesday. Unsurprisingly, Alberta boasts the cheapest gas at an average of 169.6 cents per litre, while B.C. ranks just ahead of Newfoundland for the most expensive at 218.7 cents per litre.

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McTeague said global demand, conflict in Europe, long-standing supply issues, and continued impacts from COVID-19 are all factors, however, more can be done closer to home.

He called for a temporary suspension of the carbon tax and for Ottawa to offer an immediate energy rebate, noting soaring gas prices have also increased the federal GST haul.

“They’re making money hand over fist. It seems to me that it would be wise for them to at least consider some kind of a rebate, or at least a way to alleviate, through maybe a GST rebate, to insulate and help those on fixed incomes and those of course who are having a tough go of it,” said McTeague, a former Liberal member of Parliament.

Meanwhile, B.C.’s opposition parties are calling on the N-D-P government to offer relief amid skyrocketing gas prices that have reached a staggering $2.34 a litre in some areas.

The B.C. Greens say the New Democrats should make public transit free for the next four months, arguing it will help people save money and also help take cars off the road.

The Liberal Opposition wants to see provincial gas taxes suspended and a one-time rebate offered to drivers through the Climate Action Tax Credit.

Premier John Horgan’s government already offered a one-time rebate through ICBC, announced earlier this year, with payments due out in May and June to people with active insurance policies.

The jump comes ahead of the unofficial start of summer with the May long weekend, a time when many families head out on the road for a quick spring getaway.

This year, camping closer to home or cycling and hiking excursions are said to be popular.

‘When you think about those kinds of activities, they’re not always a huge strain on the family pocketbook,” Beth Potter, head of the Tourism Industry Association of Canada, said.

For those still keen on travelling after two summers of pandemic restrictions, cars are still much preferred over planes according to Potter.

“It’s a more palatable alternative to other modes of transportation right now, where you’d be confined in a space with a lot of other people, you have other restrictions put on you like mask-wearing, or you have proof of vaccination.”

–with files from The Canadian Press

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