Drivers in Princeton, B.C., are paying noticeably extra on the pump than these in surrounding communities.
As of this week, gasoline costs in Princeton are hovering round $1.41 per litre, roughly 10 to twenty cents larger than close by cities within the regional district.
Costs in Penticton, Keremeos and Kaleden vary from $1.22 to $1.26, whereas Kelowna sits nearer to $1.37.
The discrepancy has prompted Princeton Mayor Spencer Coyne to name on the province to step in.
“We wrote a letter to the province stating that the gasoline costs in Princeton are loads larger than the remainder of the regional district,” Coyne stated.
“It places undue hardship on our residents, and it additionally impacts our financial system.”
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Coyne says the upper costs are tough to justify, particularly since gasoline servicing the realm comes from the identical supply as neighbouring communities.
“All I need is any individual to look into it,” he stated. “Is there one thing happening right here? Why are we being punished over different communities? Is it as a result of we’re distant? I don’t suppose we’re that distant.”
With a inhabitants of about 3,000, Princeton additionally relies upon closely on travellers passing by way of city. Freeway 3 runs instantly by way of the neighborhood, making it a standard cease for drivers travelling between the Decrease Mainland and the Okanagan.
Coyne says larger gasoline costs threat pushing travellers to bypass the city altogether.
“In case your gasoline costs are excessive, they’re going to bypass you,” he stated. “In the event that they bypass you, our eating places undergo, our service trade suffers, our gross sales, all of that suffers.”
Past the broader financial impression, Coyne says rising gasoline prices are inserting extra pressure on native residents, significantly those that should journey ceaselessly for medical care.
The Ministry of Water, Land and Useful resource Stewardship was unavailable for remark. Coyne says he hopes the province will take a more in-depth take a look at gasoline pricing and distribution throughout the area.
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