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BC Economist suggests excess profits tax to deal with surging gas prices

Gas prices are at an all-time high.

The price per litre of regular is nearing 2 dollars in Prince George after a steep rise following the invasion of Ukraine by Russia.

Most stations are at 193.9 cents per litre while Costco is 179.9.

However, economist Marc Lee of the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives in BC told Vista Radio higher pump prices are simply an opportunity for more profits.

“The gas we are now paying two dollars a litre for comes from oil that is coming from Canadian soil. The vast majority of it is coming from Alberta. There are long-term investments companies are making when developing those resources.”

Lee mentioned the supply side is fairly stable from year to year, as is the annual demand for gas.

He also stated we should not automatically face much higher prices simply because the world price has risen.

“Consumers have been convinced against their will that they have to take 50% (higher prices) for gasoline. I think we should be either regulating the price of gas and making sure we don’t have this type of hike happening or implementing an excess profits tax.”

with files from Mike Patterson, Vista Radio staff

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Brendan Pawliw
Brendan Pawliw
Since moving to Prince George in 2015, Brendan has covered local sports including the WHL’s Prince George Cougars, Prince George Spruce Kings, UNBC Timberwolves, Cariboo Cougars AAA, and Northern Capitals U18 female hockey teams. Career highlights include play-by-play during the Spruce Kings' BCHL championship runs in 2018 and 2019, including the Doyle Cup win. He also covered the 2019 National Junior A Championship, the 2017 Telus Cup, the 2022 World Women’s Curling Championship, and the 2022 BC Summer Games. Brendan is the news voice on 94.3 The Goat and Country 97 FM, reporting on crime, real estate, labour, and environmental issues. Outside of work, he officiates box lacrosse and fastball, sits on the Prince George Sports Hall of Fame board, and co-hosts the Hockey North podcast.

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