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Party leaders clash over rising fuel prices
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CTV.ca News Staff
Date: Fri. Sep. 12 2008 7:54 PM ET
As the price of gas rose sharply Friday, party leaders on the election trail weighed in on how they would keep prices down at the pump.
Conservative Leader Stephen Harper was asked Friday if consumers are being gouged at the pumps and replied, "Well, it certainly feels like that to me."
Harper said his party would be making some announcements about how they intend to deal with the issue later in the election campaign.
"In the meantime, we have a record of lowering prices for consumers, our opponents have opposed those measures and the affect of the policies of our opponents -- including the NDP -- would be to raise these prices for consumers," he said.
But NDP Leader Jack Layton wasn't waiting and promised to strengthen the government monitoring of fuel prices to avoid price gouging.
Layton made the pledge as part of a wider campaign announcement targeting the "unacceptable and outrageous" practices of many banks, oil companies, telecom and credit-card firms.
"Every day, Canadians are paying millions of dollars due to price-gouging and hidden fees of all kinds," Layton said during a stop in St. John's, N.L.
"If Stephen Harper is not willing to stand up to the big oil companies you can count on me to do so as your prime minister."
Harper said Friday that "we do have to understand is that energy prices are high and they're not likely to go down," which was seized on by Liberal Leader Stephane Dion.
Dion was touting his 'Green Shift' carbon tax plan in British Columbia, which already has an unpopular carbon tax.
"Mr. Harper himself today admitted that the price of oil and gas will continue to grow . . . so, what is his strategy for Canada?" Dion asked. "What is his strategy to help out families to cope with this problems today and tomorrow?'
"But the main reason why the price of oil is set to go up... is because humanity is asking for more and more oil, you have a demand that is booming much faster than the supply," said Dion.
"The countries that give to themselves the possibilities to be more energy efficient, to develop new sources of renewable energy, are the winning countries of the 21st century."
Harper said his government has acted to help ease the pressure on consumers with measures such as the GST cut.
Meanwhile, Bloc Leader Gilles Duceppe didn't blame price gouging but instead accused Harper Friday of helping big oil. He also said Canada has to reduce its dependency on oil.
In some parts of Canada, the price of gas shot up by about 13 cents after midnight to more than $1.36 a litre.
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I applaud the budget, even though Health Care and education may stay unscathed. Sadly this cannot last and I worry to later this year where cuts will become enviable. If anything, this provides the Wildrose Alliance plenty of ammo when an election is called.
Comments are now closed for this story
this could really hurt
said
Alberta boy
said
Oil companies need to quit gougeing the public but in the same breath the goverments need to take lower some of their taxes of gasoline.
Plus keep the darn speculators out of it they keep raising it as much as anyone.
Red X
said
Somehow the price of a barrel fell from a high of $147 to a little over a hundred yet we are being gouged. I thought that with every dollar rise there would be a penny rise and that a dollar drop would translate into a penny drop...
Mike
said
Marcel
said
Truthful Joe
said
Craig in Calgary
said
Yes, keeping costs down may appeal to voters but think about it. What business owner is going to let the government tell him what he can and cannot charge?
The next logical step would be to regulate and then nationalize those industries. This was not successful in the USSR and it will not work here.
Consumers need to learn that they cannot rely upon the government whenever something does not go their way. If you don't like high credit card charges, switch companies! Or pay off the entire balance so you don't get charged.
If you don't like bank fees, go to another bank or switch what kind of account you have.
If you don't like paying high gas prices, take the bus or fill up when prices are low.
What ever happened to personal responsibility?
Dhm MIssissauga
said
Try something new to win votes - something that you will actually be able to do and achive.
Bill
said
Rick in NB
said
TADA ! The 3 political amigos will come in and rescue us.
Whiskey for the amigows & beer for their horses. BS !!
Jim
said
More hot air
said
Barry
said
MJM
said
rene in nepean
said
Jason in Kelowna
said
Darren
said
Calgarian
said
P.S. THIS COULD REALLY HURT… what taxes did he mention? Is it okay for Businesses to rob us blind with no control? But taxation that helps our society and reinvested in our society is wrong. I guess you don't mind paying these excessive fees for the rich Multi-Millionaires vacation properties.
Gail (Hamilton)
said
Omer - Mississauga
said
Ken Ontario
said
Robin the Hood
said
You got it!..
However, that being said, high gas prices currently only enrich the oil companies. I say regulate the industry to reduce the gouging and tax it so the net effect is zero price change from what it would sell in the free market.. that way we're diverting money away from weathy oil investors and their fancy cars, houses, etc. and can put that money into green incentives such as renewables and energy conservation.
So Layton is partly correct. With Harper he would split the country before allowing that to ever happen... remember why... Conservatives = Western Alliance/Reform Party but with a suit and lipstick.
Brian Hopkins
said
A Real IT Manager from Calgary
said
The NDP have no chance of forming the government and Layton knows this so he can promise 'the moon and the stars'.
Andrew
said
But I am confused, don't the environmentalist groups want high gas prices? Isn't that the point of Gap-and-trade and the carbon shift?
GM
said
Roger - Give Jack a Try?
said
Take a good look at Jack - he is much preferred to Dion in my opinion.
PVT
said
Jason in Kelowna
said
Don in BC
said
CWS
said
What will happen to the price of gas if the "Green Shaft" is instituted (or something like it)?
gameon10
said
Get in line with the bigger world view or get left behind.
Green is the color Hhmmmm
Donavon
Paul B.C.
said
OPEC would make LAYTON the canadian idiot if he were to try that outside CANADA.
What planet are these NDP from.?????
Nanook
said
Calgarian
said
Funny I just did that with Banks… three banks and each have the same dog and Pony show, it's called industry protectionism. What do you think OPEC is? Industry Protectionism. Why did all the Cell Phone industry companies agree to charge for both incoming and outgoing text messages (not one but all)? Industry Protectionism. WHAT WE NEED IS SOME SORT OF CONUSMER PROTECTIONISM THAT WORKS… it's hard to shop around when they protect themselves as an industry. That is the point of government, to protect and provide services that help us, not sit on the sidelines and say oh well, we don't want to interfere with business… if that is the case maybe we should just elect a corporation to run the country.
Power comes from masses, not individuals shopping around, as these industries know all too well.
ALBERTA PRIDE
said
Lart from Above
said
As to Mr. Harper's question of how reducing demand for energy will affect the price of energy, a first-year economics class will tell you that this will reduce the price (a little). In terms of what people actually pay, if we reduce our use of energy by half, we'll be paying half as much in absolute terms.
If our land, air, and water are shared resources of value to the public (which is what our constitution assumes), then it is appropriate for the government, on behalf of the public, to capture that value through taxes on activities that reduce the value of the resources. Today, oil producers and polluters take value from the future that everyone will have to pay for later; the green shift will bring the real cost of this into the present to encourage producers and consumers to interact in ways don't pass on a deficit to our children.
Even if the Liberals took all the money and turned it into mulch, it would not be enough to put the country into a recession, and the effects on demand, new jobs, new technology, and a livable environment would justify the cost. In addition, the income tax cut we will all get (that's the "shift") will create more jobs, wealth, productivity and opportunity.
Clint MacNichol
said
Max from Mississauga
said
Marc in Ontario
said
Bob, Alberta
said
Joseph R.
said
Concerned Citizen
said
The problem with Canada is that it doesn't have enough competition like in US to keep the prices down.
Take any bank, or any credit card or any vehicle insurance or any cell phone or any gas station, they all seem to take exactly the same amount irrespective of which organization you choose. There is a very big drama which these companies are playing on Canadians to fix up their prices.
The other thing which really surprises me is that everything in Canada costs 30% more than US whether the products are home grown, manufactured in Canada or imported. So, how is the price fixed???????
My vote is definitely for Jack Layton as he is the first politician to even look into these.
Bye Bye Harper, HELLO Layton
double JJ
said
...look to a tax to provide alternatives? All this is doing is making me pay more money. Why dont you give me a program that invests in solar panel like the NDP?
Craig in Calgary
said
Fuel prices are not simply related to the price of a barrel of crude oil. Over the past few days wholesale refining prices have risen 10-20 cents per litre. This is why today gas prices are rising.
Wholesale prices are rising because all refineries have effectively shut down due to the hurricane season. You cannot turn oil into gasoline when there are no refineries operating. Couple this with already low gasoline inventories and you get a high price.
Amazing how no one ever seems to see when fuel prices go lower. It is estimated that there is a 10-15 day turnaround period. So with the drop in crude oil, if the hurricanes turn out to be nothing again, we should see a dramatic price reduction in gasoline within a week or so of the refineries opening.
The problem here is that people do not understand how gasoline is priced as well as the media overreacting (top story, danger danger!!!!!) everytime gas prices change.
Mark (Wellington County, ON)
said
Chris
said
Peter
said
Sorry but it is not that simple, the two variables do not have a direct relation like you suggest.
Also don't go blaming the Canadian gov. for the problem. It is global! The country of Mongolia is paying the same for a litre of regular gas as we do Canada.
Trent
said
TG
said
Mel P..POCO
said
Frank
said
L.M.
said
DP
said
It's not about price of gas - or any other price - being "high" or "low". It's about the fact that we don't have real competition any more in many sectors of the market - an essential part of market economy! A lot of businesses are able to commit price collusion - and rip their customers off millions and millions of dollars.
Anybody who opposes the measures proposed by Mr. Layton - is in fact against the capitalism as a system based on competition.
Business must earn more revenues by offering better products to their consumers and cutting costs - including lowering expenses related to their top management in the first place! But NOT by raising price or keeping them artificially high.
That's what NDP stands for!
dulak
said
I don't exactly understand how you can justify gas prices like that. 10-15 day turn around??? We have yet to see that and it's been two months. Also, they continuous blame high demand in summer for travel and high demand in winter for heating, but we don't see a reduction during the shoulder season. Justify that one.
BHAitken - Vancouver
said
This is the policy on the amount of fuel stockpiled in order to cushion end consumers from global market fluxuations and he has learned not to make policy on it?
Somehow, having that person in power makes me very nervous.
David
said
No one sells a product for less than they think it is worth.
dave
said
we have been down that sorry road before, back to history 101 Jack.
keith
said
TD
said
Stevie
said
ddwest
said
raj
said
BOB from Ontario
said
Jack, I remember a time when you and Olivia Chow were living in subsidized housing while you both were serving on the Toronto council.
"Jack", you have taken over the liberal mantra. Tax, tax, tax, and spend, spend, spend. Unemployment would rise significantly, and much higher taxes because you will drive the overtaxed corporations out of the country and as a result the jobs that go with them.
I am a senior on a fixed income and cannot afford higher and higher taxes if you, the liberals or the greens ever form a government.
Our only hope is a majority Conservative Goverment. Go, Mr Harper, GO.
Nicole
said
Blue X
said
WILLIAM ADAMSON
said
Our oil and gas should be controled by our stupid idiots in government just like our "WATER", - - - - - it belongs to everyone.
Northst*r
said
Monitoring is the magic word in here'''
Every politician is the same. Their words are properly chosen. This is where they catch those that just read between the lines...
And if regulation would work many Country would've done it by now...
Have a good day!!!
Rosie
said
Don E., Oshawa
said
Hurricane Gustav was suppose to be a big threat. Prices went up a record US$147.27, jumping prices at the pump around a $1.26 or more per litre, days before it was suppose to hit land.IT NEVER DID!Minimal damage was done at best.Still it took weeks to drop back 5 or 6 cents.
Oil prices rose Friday in Asia to above US$101 a barrel as Hurricane Ike swept up from the Gulf of Mexico, prompting companies along the Texas coast to shut down refining and drilling operations. Light, sweet crude for October delivery rose 39 cents to US$101.26 a barrel in electronic trading. The contract fell US$1.71 overnight to settle at US$100.87. Yet pump prices jumped 10 to 13 cents overnight to an average of $1.37 or more per litre! AGAIN DAYS AHEAD OF ACTUAL LANDFALL!
Check the price of barrel to litre and if you can't see something wrong here, there is seriously something wrong there. This gouging with every lame excuse is crap.
They seem to forget that we in business large or small keep this country functioning. Everything that effects this country is run by someone that has to fill there tanks at the pumps. From food to manufactured items. Taxi's, movers, trades people, and so one! Part of the economic slow down is that we cannot afford to operate. With record profits for the oil cartels, we receive record losses!
Tori
said
Come on, this is a half baked idea with as usual no direction.
Time to put a real Canadian in as Prime Minister. Someone who lives the life of an ordinary Canadian. Who has to balance his budget and feed his kids on his own.
Time for the government to look at their spending as a whole and see what we see, the gouging and over pricing of every day to day item that is needed to just get by.
If the members of parliment were on as tight a budget as the rest of us, then and only then would we see price controls and consumer watch dogs making sure the average joe does not get put into the poor house.
I sure hope that they are increasing the Welfare budget this year because there are going to be a lot more people needing it.
God help us all because our hands are tied and the government sure as hell does not give a rats ass about us.
I am so glad it is election year, we don't have anyone worthy of our vote....again, as usual.
BOB
said
Josh
said
As for the comment about “GHGs:” why not promote world peace and get rid of all the guns in Canada too? Other nations might recognize our plight for get rid of theirs’ as well. Not! If the REST of the world isn’t going to adhere to greenhouse gas reduction policies, then why should we, including our children of today, suffer the financial hardships of such measures?
gas or coffee?kev
said
Craig in Calgary
said
First of all, we do see reductions during the shoulder season. Look at today's price in Calgary $1.42/litre. That is a jump of about 15 cents.
However, do you forget that prices were at about this level the last time prices shot up? When was that, around the May long weekend (start of the summer driving season). Prices then dropped to about $1.23 until now, of course with the usual up and down.
The only difference is that that drop wasn't blared across the news stories. Take a look at your gas receipts and you'll see what I'm talking about.
As for the 10-15 day turnaround. As an accounting student I monitor business releases and reports. That is a direct quote from an oil analyst. And no, he was not in the oil and gas industry just like how I am not in the oil and gas industry.
Sid in MTL
said
We have oil, we have refineries (though we need a few more) but we pay overly inflated prices due to American oil giants and foreign speculators driven by greed.
If I were P.M. you could be damn sure my government would nationalize our oil; selling only our surpluses on the open market. Imagine how much better our economy would be.....how Canada could prosper from all the tourism $$ as well a cheaper goods for consumers due to lower transport costs.
This issue should be a focal party platform as far as I'm concerned.
Josh
said
As for the comment about “GHGs:” why not promote world peace and get rid of all the guns in Canada too? Other nations might recognize our plight and get rid of theirs’ as well. Not! If the REST of the world isn’t going to adhere to greenhouse gas reduction policies, then why should we, including our children of today, suffer the financial hardships of such measures?
fed up with gas prices from Ottawa
said
Kris Pittman
said
You are truly out of touch!
Take the bus eh? O.k. what about all those people who commute to work over great distances? Should they pay for homes they can't afford in urban center in order to save on gas? The notion that there is a universally available public transportation system makes you look like an urban idiot. What about people who eat food... I imagine that you know a few, when the price of Diesel goes up food costs more, what would you propose? Eating something other than food? Perhaps growing it in some sort of urban rooftop garden? People who wear clothes and buy soap and tissue paper, again I am sure you've heard of those people too, if it's brought by a truck it's going to cost more!
Have you ever used a bank? They all charge comparable prices for things like saving your own money and spending your money. Credit card companies are no different, only the most affluent consumers can negotiate reasonable fees. For some sadly the only way to survive is to use credit and carry a balance.
Personal responsibility is being eroded by the lack of choice, increasing cost of living and people like you who seem to believe that the free market actually works for everybody! If you can't afford to invest you can't actually profit from the companies and corporations that manipulate the lives of consumers daily, instead you are financially taken advantage by them.
Ryan in AB
said
RussD
said
Willam from Eastern Ontario
said
Ummm... won't they go down? Supply & Demand?
DR42
said
I'd like to hear from any politician a real concrete LONG term answer othere then tax shifting.
How about another source of energy? Maybe electric? Maybe we could fund something other then oil?
Our flaw is that we transport everything with one fuel source: oil. That is foolish. A long term diversity strategy with significant funding is key.
I wait for someone to lead with a real answer.
DougB
said
Chris
said
If that is in fact the case, why not set it at a fixed rate rather than having it float along with the final price per litre at the pumps?
Doug BC
said
And really,despite record oil company profits in real dollars,they are still only getting 8 to 10% return on investment.A bit high,but not a lot.And,like banks,they are owned by the public.The shareholders make money on their shares,and pay taxes on that income.
Our only path to having "made in Canada" gas pricing is a longer term plan that includes building our own refineries,reducing our debt so we could lower gas taxes,and breaking away from a North American energy strategy in favour of a "Canada First" strategy.
Canadians should benefit from our resources.But we have to pay producing provinces the world price for their resources,refine our own crude,and be ready to suffer the ire of the USA if we have a "Canada First" energy plan.
Russia has already figured out how its energy can invigorate its economy.It's time we did the same.
We can reduce GHG's and pollution by simply demanding the best and cleanest techology be used for ALL of our manufacturing and transportation.
Higer taxes and higher energy costs will simply drive more manufacturing jobs out of Ontario,and likely shut down the wealth generating industries in oil producing regions.
Not exactly the right way to help Canadians,or the environment.
Con me again
said
Vote for me, I'll blah blah blah blah blah..gimme a break
Cameron
said
Rich Cooper
said
Marc from Ottawa
said
Keith from Brampton
said
Well, Steve-O, if regular laws of supply and demand apply, the price will go DOWN, not up, as you seem to imply.
It almost sounds like you're saying "burn more gas if you want prices to drop."
Of course, if we're all driving vehicles that use half as much fuel, even if the fuel costs twice as much, we're no worse off.
So your point would be...?
Rob
said
When the price of gas goes up, so does the amount of tax we pay on it...it is a %. So the higher the price of gas...the more money for the goverment in power....no matter which party! This needs fixing! Stevie, get on with it!
jamie broderick
said
A Worried Voter in SAANICH , BC
said
if you think Jean Chrétien, Trudeau,Mulroney,Clark,Martin, Campbell were bad- wait till Harper get a majority.
Then it will be SHOW ME YOUR WALLET style of government.
And what will HARPER do without Geroge BUSH - FLIP FLOP
William
said
Pete
said
dulak
said
Obviously, you living in Alberta gives you a cheaper gas. I haven't seen $1.23 all year in Ontario. Past couple of months hasn't dropped below $1.32 until two weeks ago where it dropped to $1.27.
G
said
Think about this:
If the police services of Canada's major cities have to deal with never-ending cases of people filling their cars and driving off without paying (I mean AVERAGE normally law-abiding citizens), would this create enough attention for the feds to finally limit the number of prices increases a company can make per year?
I think it would.
Tim
said
Norm in Calgary
said
Kevin in Toronto
said
Craig in Calgary
said
In fact, you proved it yourself by stating that your price dropped by 5 cents.
My price doesn't matter because it is obviously lower in my province. Of course, those in Ontario have a higher cost of living. However, as you've seen, prices do drop according to the seasonal demand as well as the production cycle.
Wayne
said
Joseph
said
Marv Streich
said
''Moonbat Left Wing Lunatic''
said
It works like this:
1) We tax the H*LL out of people.
2) We enact a PAY POLLUTER law. (Read that carefully to make sure you get it right.)
3) Cons & rich people invest in companies that pollute.
4) Profit for the rich & for cons!
My message to cons is that taxation isn't necessarily a bad thing. You can profit from it!
Upon reflecting upon my plan, I realized that it is not actually very different from the existing con environment "plan" -- After all, you are subsidizing oil companies, right?
Alberta Believer
said
Guess who's birthday it was yesterday? Thats right former Chilean communist president Salvador Allende's and listening to Jack I see stark similarities.
What then does this man propose to do? Nationalize all industry in Canada? Thank God he'll never be Pr.ime Minister. The fear I do have though is that he could still be in power.
The Liberals need NDP support to govern this country. With Layton proping up Dion, just think of the type of things we might get in this country in addition to the Green Shaft. Tampering with the financial services and energy sectors thereby causing great instability in our markets.
No. I fear the Liberals just as much as I do the NDP especially now with the very impressionable Mr. Dion who's not a leader. Just think of the legislative possibilities.... Jack supporting the Green Shaft in exchange for Stephane supporting a shut down of the oilsands in Alberta.
Nah people keep the Dion/Layton nightmare out of power.
Craig in Calgary
said
Before you start with the personal attacks you should probably know who you're attacking.
I don't have my rose colour glasses on. I am a 28 year old accountant that works full time. So yes, I am in the real world and pay my own way.
I am also a part time student upgrading to get my senior designation. Thus, I analyze business reports and studies.
Marc Coquitlam B.C.
said
Peter
said
NO WAY!!!
$2.00 for 500ml of bottled water.....Place bottle under tap, transport, drink. Cost Thousands.
No Problem!!!!
I see a problem here.
GJ
said
if the government is keeping its books balanced by the oil taxes windfall..
then the budget is seriously out of balance to begin with ..
dont see anyone asking that question
Alberta Believer
said
G this is rediclous. The cost of Theft is always passed on to the consumer. I mean just how many people are gonna ruin their lives for a pointless stunt which everybody will be thinking no one will act on.
This anarchy approach to get your way never wins. In the end most people are civilized.
Besides this isn't civil rights or some greater social cause so attempting to take a "civil disobedience track" won't work either.
Sandro D'Angelo
said
Why don't they address the issue of the Federal and provincial taxes included in the gas prices. A reduction in that would go a long way to reducing the cost to consumers!!!
Dan
said
Broke in BC
said
kman
said
(1) It's a free market, and the big oil can put the price whereever they want. As soon as it is too expensive, people will move to other technologies, or just stop buying. Until then good luck.
(2) on banks... one question, would you rather put your money in a bank that was not making money? Think about.
dulak
said
Craig in Calgary:
What did I prove? The price dropped 5 cents...Do you think that 5 cents reflects the change in demand from vacation season to the shoulder season??
NP
said
Ridiculous anouncements by all parties. Pandering to voter's angst. No credible solutions. The fact that most govts. have very little influence on these matters, except to lower taxes. Which Harper stated. If they want to appease the public over energy prices. Here is a wonderful dumb idea. Get rid of taxes on all energy usage.
We will all be happy for awhile, untill the govt. bank account is empty.
J Lamey from Go Away Harper.
said
Matt from Cornwall
said
Andre
said
This would automatically force the others to follow suit. Boycott one of the companies for a month and watch the Canadian oil cartel self destruct.
Randy
said
We in Canada have an abundance of oil resources and it can supply the whole of Canada at a very low price. Canadians should not be over priced because of a US problem in their production.
What should be done is a two tier price system. The goverment should set a price law that any can produced and sold in Canada to Canadaians would be 60% of the world crude pricing and also reduce the gas tax by 25% (example current price at the pump is 1.34 then the home sale price would be 0.81 per liter). The producer can sell his export gas at the world market price. The oil producers must also be instructed to supply Canada its needs and the remiander to the world market. ( example if only 25% of the gas produced in canada is all that is required to supply Canada then the remainder 75% will be sold on the global market) Monitoring the prices will not be effective; it is simply an extension of goverment bureaucracy.
Action against the gouging gas producers will be more effective. This way no matter what happens to the world gas price we canadians will beenefit without hurting the gas producers. It becomes a win win situation.
Roadrobber
said
Eric vehkalhti
said
Concerned coffee drinker
said
Free Market Ignoramus in BC
said
As I understand it, if the demand for someting goes down, so does its price.
terry
said
Richard from Ontario
said
You have got it all wrong. Mike Harris did what he said he was going to do... The problem began after Mike left. The worst government we have had in a long time is the one in Power now.. The Dalton gang... Job losses in every sector of the economy but the highest commercial taxes in the country driving companies out. On top of that, the Health tax, uh premium that the current Premier lied about, when he said he wouldn't raise taxes. We don't need any more taxes in this province or country for that matter, and also, Jack Layton can promise anything he wants, since he won't have the opportunity to implement anything.
Peniless in BC
said
Mac in Regina
said
Joseph
said
Sorry if you felt that it was a personal attack. I don't know you, yet you seem to know everything about everyone else by making the comment "personal responsibility".
Do you have children? Do you have to pay for daycare? Do you have to pay for a tutor because the school system is under funded? Do you have a home that needs to be maintained? Do you have a small business with employees depending on you so they can pay their bills? Do you have to run that said business 12-14 hours a day, including weekends? Please since you know my circumstances tell me where I should take personal responsibility? Taking a night course for myself would be a luxury. I'm not complaining, I am lucky, there are many people many times worse off then me, it's those who I speak for.
When I was 28 (20 years ago), I was saying the exact same thing you were. I guess age and experience has either made me bitter or wiser to corporations 'bottom line' attitude, and you will come to realize that a corporation doesn't see you as human, they see you as a number, and your number doesn't matter unless it has a few zeros behind it. The worse part is industry protectionism, how can you fight back when an entire industry provides the same services at virtually the same price and fees?
Marguerite Tennier
said
BCBroke
said
Oil and gas companies are making record profits. That is fact which is undisputed. When the price of oil goes up, we see an immediate increase in the price of gas regardless of when that increase is in relation to the oil futures for the following month. Yet when the price of oil goes down we do not see any decrease for months.
I can say months because thats exactly what is happening in BC and has happened recently.
Craig you say take the bus or be economical and fill up when the price is low. Great. Ill wait till Jan 2010 to fill up I guess becuase apparently it will take that long for the gas stations here to lower prices. In smaller communities, you do not have a choice of public transportation, nor can you try and get the best deal as every gas station in town has the same price.
Do you think the gas stations all paid the exact same price?? In smaller communites gas can and should be taken as an essential service that should definately be federally regulated. I do understand they gas station owners need to make a profit to survive and thats fine, but just because its a summer month and the moon is blue on friday the 13th is not a reason to keep gas prices sky high for months on end.
No price gouging going on? Please...we are not that stupid.
Michal Glowa
said
Layton (not Jack) in Moncton
said
Craig
said
We are told it's all about "Ike." If that's the case why is gasoline in Galveston Texas the same price as it was yesterday and $.15 a gallon less than 1 month ago !!
Further they are paying approx. $3.50 a US gallon and we are at $5.20 a US gallon.
Why aren't the news outlets pushing this more, we need it in the news daily. Really its a bigger deal than the election for most people.