Motorists helpless when it comes to high prices
SYDNEY — While it may have seemed like a bad dream, Nova Scotia motorists — especially those in Cape Breton — awoke on Friday the 13th to face the highest gasoline prices ever.
“It is what it is,” said Jose Hann, as he pumped nearly $100 of gas into his mid-size vehicle Friday at a Sydney gas station.
The Halifax resident was filling up for the return trip home.
“Do I like the price? No. But what can I do?” said Hann, in being resigned to the fact he has no control or influence over world fuel markets.
His comment was shared widely Friday by others who felt outraged by the price but powerless they could make an effective change.
“If the price of milk went up to $5 per litre we would still have to buy it because we need milk. I think people are just going to have to figure out what is important,” said Hann, adding he saw a crowd at the casino on Thursday night and lineups at Tim Horton’s on Friday morning.
Another gas pump user Friday, who didn’t give his name, said drivers are simply going to have to do what they need to, especially those who require a vehicle for employment.
The pump price Friday for gasoline in Sydney was 200.5 cents per litre, an increase of more than seven cents from the day previous.
The price for diesel increased by more than four cents to 253.1 cents.
‘PRICE IS RIDICULOUS’
Sydney resident Zachary Lane is one of those residents who needs his vehicle for work.
“The price is ridiculous. This only widens the gap between minimum wage earners and those who easily afford such prices,” he said.
“I have no other option. I need my vehicle for work,” said Lane, whose $45 gas bill only brought his SUV gas tank to almost half-full.
Even those on a fixed income were left thinking about what could they do to counter the increased cost.
“I have to erase it out of my mind because I am not capable of doing anything about it,” said 87-year-old Donnie Morrison.
The former Boularderie resident, who now calls Sydney home, spoke during an interview at a Sydney coffee shop.
“I just have to try and cope with the situation and this now becomes another expense I am going to have to live with,” he said.
Morrison said he doubts the price will result in much of a change to his lifestyle noting he’s not one to let his gas tank ever go below half.
As to why the increase, analysts point to the spiking price of oil at $100 (US) a barrel along with the disruptions in the supply stemming from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
The price fluctuation is also being attributed to a high demand but limited capacity for refineries.
When Meghan Brushett first got her license in 1999, the price of gas was just under 60 cents.
“After what we’ve all been through over the past two years, I doubt the price will impact greatly on my travel plans,” said the mother of one.
The New Waterford resident said it is likely that road trips will be shorter and once arriving in urban areas, she will take a bus or other forms of public transportation.
“With everything going on in the world, I get the increase but I still need to get where I need to be and this cost is a definite drain on the finances."
In Nova Scotia, there is a 15.5 cent tax on gasoline along with a 15.4 cent tax on diesel. The federal government receives 10 cents per litre in tax.
There have been growing calls from a number of sectors to have provincial governments reduce or eliminate provincial taxes at the gas pump.
The province earned $238 million during the fiscal year 2020-21 fiscal year through its gas tax.
Alberta has been the only province so far to have temporarily halted the collection of provincial taxes at the pumps. The measure was implemented on April 1.