As the summer driving and road trip season ramps up, so is a review into why B.C. gas prices are smashing records, but a look at government policy and taxes isn’t going to be part of that. The province unveiled the terms of reference for an inquiry by the B.C. Utilities Commission. The energy regulator agreed to look into the issue after a request by Premier John Horgan. The terms of reference state the commission will look at the factors influencing retail and wholesale gas and diesel prices since 2015, if refining margins are different from other jurisdictions in the country, why that is, and a review of what measures the province could take to help manage prices. In a statement the Premier also said the terms were broad so the commission could look into issues like price fixing and price gouging to see if those were factors at play. The terms also specify that the commission “may not inquire into the effects of Provincial enactments or policy on gasoline and diesel prices in British Columbia.” That, says energy analyst and lawyer David Austin, means provincial fuel taxes won’t be part of the analysis.
“Cutting the taxes on gasoline, which is the only thing you could do in short term to reduce it, if those taxes are cut the government’s revenues are cut,” Austin told CTV News. Adding a reduction in revenue could also impact programs or other policies.
The B.C. Liberals attacked the Premier in Question Period along with a billboard and mailout, saying the way to reduce pain at the pump is to reduce taxes. Source: bc.ctvnews.ca
Wednesday, May 6, 2026
