News Release - April 27, 2007
VICTORIA - With gas prices rising above $1.20 a litre and officials in Washington state launching an investigation into gasoline prices, Opposition Energy Critic John Horgan says it is time for the B.C. government to launch its own probe into the soaring price of gas.
"I hear from people all over the province on this issue," said Horgan, the MLA for Malahat - Juan de Fuca. "They've seen prices go through the roof, and it's more than a funny coincidence that the price goes up the same at every station at roughly the same time.
"Motorists in Washington State are facing high gasoline prices like those here in B.C., and their government is taking action to find out why they are paying higher prices than drivers elsewhere in their country. Since British Columbians are paying higher prices than other Canadians, we would be well served by a formal inquiry to examine why British Columbians are being hosed at the pumps."
Horgan said British Columbians are justifiably upset about what looks like gouging at the gas pumps. Earlier this spring, Horgan introduced a Private Member's Bill to regulate gas prices in the same way electricity and natural gas prices are regulated.
When Horgan raised the issue with Energy Minister Richard Neufeld in debate on budget estimates Wednesday, the Minister would not commit to regulate gas prices, but left the door open to an inquiry. On Thursday, Horgan formally requested an investigation into gasoline pricing in a letter to Attorney General Wally Oppal.
"Minister Neufeld seems convinced that the market will protect consumers, but the reality is obviously very different," said Horgan. "British Columbians aren't buying it. A recent poll showed that 80 per cent of Canadians believe they're getting ripped off at the pumps, so the Minister's reluctance should be of concern to all British Columbians.
"We need an inquiry now so that we can get impartial answers for B.C. consumers about gasoline prices," Horgan said.
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A copy of Horgan's letter to Oppal is attached.
