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
Grandparents killed in wrong-way crash on Hwy. 401 identified
A 60-year-old man and a 55-year-old woman killed in a wrong-way crash on Highway 401 earlier this week have been identified by the Consulate General of India in Toronto.
Police arrest 3 Indian nationals in killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three people have been arrested and charged in the killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar – as authorities continue investigating potential connections to the Indian government.
BREAKING Suter scores late goal, clinches series for Canucks
The Vancouver Canucks are moving on to the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
TD worst-case scenario more likely after drug money laundering allegations: analyst
TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected, says a banking analyst after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
Quebec man who threatened Trudeau, Legault online sentenced to 20 months in jail
A Quebec man who pleaded guilty to threatening Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier François Legault has been sentenced to 20 months in jail.
Human remains found in rural Sask. possibly a decade old, RCMP say
RCMP say human remains found in a rural area in central Saskatchewan may have been there for a decade or more.
Britney Spears 'home and safe' after paramedics responded to an incident at the Chateau Marmont, source tells CNN
A source close to singer Britney Spears tells CNN that the pop star is 'home and safe' after she had a 'major fight' with her boyfriend on Wednesday night at the Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood.
Canadian doctor concerned new weight-loss drug Wegovy may be used inappropriately
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.