An industry expert says a public inquiry into British Columbia’s record-breaking gasoline prices may increase the public’s understanding of a murky market but the provincial government’s options for response are limited.
Premier John Horgan ordered the inquiry in May when prices at the pump reached $1.70 a litre, saying gas and diesel price increases were “alarming, increasingly out of line with the rest of Canada, and people in B.C. deserve answers.” “We felt that under the circumstances it would not be unreasonable to provide them with that assurance,” Morton said in an interview.Calgary-based Parkland Fuel, which had raised concerns about confidentiality, also complained of tight deadlines in a letter from its lawyers to the commission on Tuesday.
“The advance ruling on confidentiality does go a long way to satisfy Husky’s concerns,” Mel Duvall said in an email Thursday.“That said, we are still considering whether there are other measures that can be implemented by the BCUC that would provide further protection for the interveners.” Questions shared in advance by the utilities commission reveal some of the information the public may learn.
Recommendations on the Trans Mountain pipeline are unlikely, Morton said, adding that he didn’t want to preclude anything prematurely.— It can create a watchdog agency to monitor the elements going into the pump price and where they seem to change, in order to better understand and explain to the public what happens and why.
globebusiness Heh...
globebusiness In isolated places where transportation is expensive, gas prices soar & the cost of everything goes up. Hawaii is a good example. Without pipeline expansion & with environmental taxes, BC will see higher prices. First in gas & then on everything transported. cdnpoli bcpoli
globebusiness isn't purpose of 'carbon taxes' to price people out of driving?
globebusiness I don't think so cause BC hydro or LNG they can't raise there prices when ever they what
globebusiness Drop the Clean Fuel Tax and the Carbon tax.