Northern Ontario drivers fed up with 'ridiculous' gas prices, experts expect them to rise even more
There’s pain at the pumps for northern Ontario drivers who are frustrated with the high gas prices.
"Usually I put $70 in for a full tank. Today, I did $55 for a half a tank," said one woman while filling her tank in North Bay on Sunday.
Woman puts fuel in her car's tank at North Bay gas station. Oct. 10/21 (Eric Taschner/CTV Northern Ontario)
The numbers at gas stations across the north are going nowhere but up, leaving fed-up drivers with no choice but to stretch their wallets thin to pay for gas.
"This is absolutely ridiculous. I’m frustrated and upset," said another driver. "A little bit of both."
Gas prices in the north are ranging anywhere from $1.42 per litre in North Bay up to $1.48 per litre in Sudbury.
Analysts say the federal government’s price on carbon, other government policies, the ongoing pandemic, and a struggling Canadian dollar are creating the spike.
"All in all, the numbers are shocking. The carbon tax is hurting. It’s 10 cents a litre," said Dan McTeague, of Canadians for Affordable Energy. "The more intense we become on the idea of reducing our carbon footprint, the more damage we do to ourselves."
Nipissing MPP Vic Fedeli agrees, despite a 2018 promise from Premier Doug Ford to lower gas prices by 10 cents.
"It’s a failure on the part of the federal government, who put a carbon tax in. We fought against it," Fedeli said.
His federal counterpart, MP-elect for Nipissing-Timiskaming Anthony Rota disputes the claim, saying it’s the current issue of supply and demand.
"The price of carbon may add a little bit. But, let’s call a spade a spade, it is the oil companies who control the prices," Rota said.
McTeague said there won’t be a break for motorists coming anytime soon. He expects gas prices to get even higher in the north around Remembrance Day.
"Gas prices will net rise another 5-6 cents per litre," he said. "So if you’re paying $1.44 or $1.48, expect that to go up to $1.49 or $1.50 to $1.55."
This will leave upset drivers with even less cash in their pockets.
Man puts gas in vehicle in North Bay. Oct. 10/21 (Eric Taschner/CTV Northern Ontario)
"This is not what we need right now. People have had to deal with COVID-19, and they’re just getting back to work," said one driver.
McTeague said the inability to sell oil and gas along with a second carbon tax called the Clean Fuel Standard that came into effect in December 2020 is adding an additional 16 cents per litre.
"The facts speak for themselves," he said. "A lot of the blame lies at the foot of those policymakers who have embraced the green, new dogma."
McTeague added the transition to green energy is important, but that it is not the right time for Canada until the technology catches up.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Spectacular aurora light show to be seen across Canada Friday night
A rare and severe solar storm is expected to bring spectacular displays of the northern lights, also known as aurora borealis, across much of Canada and parts of the United States on Friday night.
Town of Fort Nelson, B.C., ordered to evacuate due to wildfire
The entire town of Fort Nelson, B.C., as well as the nearby Fort Nelson First Nation, has been ordered to evacuate due to an out-of-control wildfire.
Snowbirds in Vancouver for puck-drop flyby as Canucks face Oilers
The Canadian Forces Snowbirds will be performing a flyover across downtown Vancouver at the start of tonight's Stanley Cup playoff game between the Canucks and the Edmonton Oilers.
McGill University seeks emergency injunction to dismantle pro-Palestinian encampment
McGill University has filed a request for an injunction to have the pro-Palestinian encampment removed from its campus.
Which Canadian cities have the highest and lowest grocery prices?
Where you live plays a big factor in what you pay at the grocery store. And while it's no secret the same item may have a different price depending on the store, city or province, we wanted to see just how big the differences are, and why.
Swarm of 20,000 bees gather around woman’s car west of Toronto
A swarm of roughly 20,000 bees gathered around a woman’s car in the parking lot of Burlington Centre.
Video shows naked raccoon catching B.C. family by surprise
When Marvin Henschel spotted a strange and hairless creature wandering through a front lawn in B.C.'s Lower Mainland, he could barely believe his eyes.
Barron Trump declines to serve as an RNC delegate
Former U.S. President Donald Trump's youngest son, Barron Trump, has declined to serve as a delegate at this summer’s Republican National Convention, according to a senior Trump campaign adviser and a statement from Melania Trump's office.
Out-of-control wildfire prompts evacuation alert for Fort McMurray, Saprae Creek Estates Friday night
An evacuation alert was issued for two Wood Buffalo communities Friday night, as crews battled an out-of-control wildfire near Fort McMurray.