Analyst say gas prices will ‘go much higher’ due to carbon tax increases

It will cost more to fill up your car at the gas pump starting Saturday.

The federal carbon tax is to increase to 14 cents per litre of gasoline from its current level of 11 cents per litre.

According to Dan McTeague — the president of Canadians for Affordable Energy — Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said he would not increase the tax when the cost was $50 per tonne, but he broke his promise.

McTeague said now with the tax increasing, it will mean a substantial increase to the cost of living.

“(This) won’t be satisfied by a $400 cheque for those who qualify for a GST credit,” he said.

McTeague added there will be a 3.26-cent-per-litre increase in gasoline and a 4.01-cent increase for diesel, which excludes GST.

“You’re looking at an imposition on energy prices which affects the price of pretty much everything else as transportation is critical,” he explained.

With that price hike on the horizon, the price per litre at some stations in Saskatoon fell on Tuesday.

McTeague said even though things like the carbon tax have rebates, it won’t cover increases to things like groceries and heating costs.

“These are prices that are going to go much higher. The dust settles in 2030,” he said.

He believes that tough times are ahead, far more than what is being seen today in terms of inflation and higher interest rates.

According to McTeague, the carbon tax increase will even affect farmers, especially those who use nitrogen.

“This is a self-made, made-at-home inflicted inflationary wound,” he said.

According to McTeague, the federal government’s addition of the carbon tax has not reduced CO2 emissions.