With the consumer carbon tax removed on Tuesday, motorists in Saskatchewan are already feeling relief at the pump.
The levy was removed by an order-in-council signed by Prime Minister Mark Carney on March 15.
Read more:
- Saskatchewan’s industrial carbon tax decision gets mixed reactions
- What do the changes to Canada’s carbon tax mean for Saskatchewan?
- SARM welcomes Saskatchewan move to drop industrial carbon tax
In Regina, fuel prices at many gas stations dropped to $141.9, a drop of roughly 18 cents a litre compared to Monday.
Several gas stations had prices between $151.9 and $159.9 on Monday night, after the price of gas rose around seven cents a litre late last week in the Queen City.
In Saskatoon, some gas stations dropped to $136.3, after several gas stations in the city had prices between $150.9 and $153.9 on Monday night.
People fuelling up in Regina on Tuesday morning were pretty happy to see lower prices at the pump.
Jameson Smith gave a nod of approval seeing the lower gas prices. “Fairly good I would say, better than yesterday.”
Sherry Poole said having cheaper gas prices “always helps.”
“I live out of town. I’m going home tonight so I’ve already gassed up just in case it’s a mistake. Anytime it comes down, I’m there for it. We need a break and this is definitely helping,” she said.
“I just take it day by day because of the way the world is … changing so quickly. I just take it as it comes.”
Lorraine Wagner was also filling up her tank and said she didn’t notice the cheaper price at first.
“Oh my gosh, that surprised me. Kind of exciting. The drop is good but I still find it expensive.I tend to drive because I live in a town, so I will notice it for sure.”
Glenn Fairweather applauded the move but wished it came sooner.
“It’s good, but it should have happened a while ago,” he said. “Of course, it’d be great to see it drop more.
He said he hopes that the carbon tax removal is permanent.
“That’s my biggest fear. I think if they don’t keep it removed when it does come back — if it comes back — we’ll be thinking a $1.59 is cheaper than what it was going to be.”
Tom Griffin said he is happy to see the lower prices.
“I think it’s great and hopefully food prices will follow suit and go down too and other commodities as well.”
He said the price of gas dropped more than he was anticipating.
“I thought maybe it would drop around 10 cents (a litre) or so. But this is welcome, it’s good to give everybody a break.”
Griffin said he would definitely notice the savings when it comes to a full tank of gas.
“I’m saving probably about 10 bucks a tank, which is nice.”
Canadians will receive their final Canada Carbon Rebate on April 15.
Read more:
- Saskatchewan’s industrial carbon tax decision gets mixed reactions
- What do the changes to Canada’s carbon tax mean for Saskatchewan?
- SARM welcomes Saskatchewan move to drop industrial carbon tax