Sigh. In the Society of Self Flagellates, of which we apparently are all members, I guess it’s my turn to complain and protest the price of gasoline in B.C. generally, but especially here in the Okanagan.
It’s galling that we’re paying unusually high prices in the Okanagan even compared to Vancouver, Victoria, the rest of Vancouver Island, and much of the rest of the southern part of the province. And B.C. is second only to the far north, Northwest Territories, etc., for the highest average gas prices in Canada.
Even provinces that have traditionally been higher, or close to the same, like Saskatchewan, are lower. Why are B.C. and the Okanagan being targeted? Is it just our turn or are we perceived as really apathetic consumers who will just meekly pay what they determine?
There is nothing in the current world situation or the price of a barrel of oil that justifies the current pump prices. I’m sure some local dealer (“It’s beyond our control”) or company rep has a logical explanation so, please enlighten us.
Gasoline prices did also spike briefly in the U.S. a month or so ago, but they have been going back down steadily in just about every state.
My wife and I happened to be in Osoyoos for a few days and, yes, we decided to pop down to Oroville to check things out.
On May 31, gas was $3.97 per U.S. gallon, which works out to about $1.05 per litre, so rather than pay $141.9 in Osoyoos, yes, we filled up in Oroville. Yes, our dollar was about three cents below parity but that’s not enough be a serious factor.
At the time, we knew gas was even less down in Omak, about $1.01 per litre.
We are all aware that due to the total taxes and levies, especially in Vancouver, gas does cost more up here but come on guys.
You’ve got us well trained or conditioned though April’s $1.269 seems pretty good about now.
Mike Nicholls
Vernon
