It’s another unprecedented price at the pumps in Greater Victoria.
Motorists looking to fill up their tanks at Petro-Canada’s Quadra, Shelborne or Island Highway locations are paying at least 221.9 cents per litre on Monday, according to GasBuddy.
The gas price tracker currently lists the average fuel price in Victoria as slightly less at around $2.10 per litre, beating a record set back in March.
GasBuddy’s head of petroleum analysis, Patrick De Haan, says gas and diesel prices are trending upwards as oil prices climb and the European Union signals its desire to sanction Russian oil.
“While motorists filling with gasoline have seen a slight rise in prices, diesel’s surge will be a double whammy as diesel prices will soon be passed along to retail channels, further pushing up the cost of goods,” said De Haan.
According to BC officials, record-high prices come amid international supply chain disruptions brought on by Russia’s invasion of war-torn Ukraine.
“People are facing increased costs through no fault of their own, but as a chain reaction that started with (President Vladimir) Putin’s illegal war in Ukraine,” said Premier John Horgan.
To help ease any financial burden, the BC government announced that ICBC would be giving most customers holding a basic auto insurance policy in February a $110 rebate, with commercial customers receiving $165.
Starting this month, BC drivers will begin receiving the one-time rebate—something Public Safety Minister Mike Farnworth called “an opportunity to put money back in the pockets of the hardworking people.”
But for those travelling to and from Vancouver Island, rising gas prices are also pushing up the costs of another popular mode of transportation.
Following an increase set in March, BC Ferries has announced it’s increasing its fuel surcharge for customers from 1% to 2.5% starting June 1st.
Cost increases will be $2 per vehicle or 45 cents per adult foot passenger on Vancouver to Vancouver Island routes, with various inter-island routes charging an extra $1.05 per vehicle or 25 cents per adult foot passenger.
