Owners and operators of gas stations in 100 Mile House are expressing relief over the carbon tax repeal.
The B.C. government announced the repeal of the carbon tax in a press release on March 31, introducing legislation that would drop the rate to $0. The press release stated the "elimination of the carbon tax means people in British Columbia will no longer be required to pay the consumer carbon tax, taking approximately 17 cents per litre off the cost of fuel."
Following this announcement on April 1 gas prices dropped across the Cariboo. Wendy MacLean, who is the manager of Co-Op Gas in 100 Mile House, said they were thrilled that the consumer carbon tax levy was repealed.
"It's going to have a really positive impact on tourism and travel this year, it's going to be a lot better," MacLean said - adding the gas prices were immediately dropped at all Four Rivers Co-Op gas stores.
She said the drop worked out to around 18 cents per litre. In addition, McLean said there has been an increase in customers to the Co-Op gas store since the drop.
"I can just see this being a good summer, like we're coming up to our busy season for travel and road trips - tourism in general," said MacLean, noting more customers are coming into the gas station itself.
"They're actually purchasing more snacks. They seem to have a little bit more money because they're coming in. That's always a good thing retail-wise," MacLean noted.
Lovejot Jakhu, the manager of the Super Save Gas Station also has similar feelings regarding the matter.
"Most of the people are really happy, not that people would complain about paying less for the prices - they are OK with that right now," Jakhu said, adding that prices have been dropped by 17 cents, in addition to there being an increase in customers.
"Whatever we were selling, we are up by pretty much about 20 to 25 per cent the first day was crazy, and then it slowed down for a little bit."
