Will Edmonton drivers see savings from Alberta’s fuel relief plan?
Posted March 30, 2022 4:27 pm.
Last Updated March 30, 2022 7:07 pm.
Edmonton drivers woke up Wednesday morning to find that gas was a little cheaper.
But the drop was only a few cents. It’s expected to be much larger come Friday.
That’s when the UCP has decided to stop collecting the 13-cent provincial gas tax on every litre of fuel sold in the province.
But will drivers actually see it Friday morning?
Alberta’s NDP energy critic wants an independent third-party audit to review whether the savings are passed along at the pump.
“An audit will provide accountability and transparency around the fuel tax rebate so Albertans will know if they are getting the full rebate or just an April Fools prank,” said Kathleen Ganley.
Some bad news for drivers looking to save some pennies by waiting until Friday to fill up: the president for Canadians for Affordable Energy says gas prices won’t drop by the full 13 cents.
And that’s because of Trudeau’s federal carbon tax says the group’s president, Dan McTeague.
“There will be an increase of carbon tax of 2.21 cents a litre plus GST, that’s probably the bad news,” said McTeague. “The good news is the province will likely move the legislation that will drop prices of up to 13 cents per litre, so clearly there is some offset.
“It leads me to believe that the $1.65 you’re seeing at the top end here in Edmonton will be down to the $1.57 range.”
READ MORE:
- Alberta fuel, energy prices soar but government’s affordability plan beyond gas tax unclear
- ‘It’s absolutely ridiculous’: Albertans reach deeper into pockets, find alternate solutions as gas prices rise
- Alberta gas prices: Will province’s plan result in relief?
But can the government guarantee gas stations will pass those savings onto drivers?
When asked this week, Alberta’s minister of finance said he’s confident gas stations won’t pocket the money.
“I’m confident that we have enough competition in our retail fuel-selling environment that we will see these tax reductions, which will ultimately be savings passed onto consumers in Alberta,” Travis Toews said Monday.
“We have been in contact with major retailers and they have committed to passing the savings onto consumers,” Toews’ press secretary told CityNews. “In fact, we have already heard from retailers looking to participate in and promote the program. Look for posters in your local gas stations that say the retailer is partnering with the Alberta government on the fuel tax relief program.”
Alberta’s NDP believes an audit could encourage companies to alter their behaviour.
