LETHBRIDGE, AB: The Canadian Taxpayers Federation is warning Alberta drivers about a big tax jump at the fuel pump happening April 1.

“Albertans are getting a double whammy tax hike on Monday so they should fuel up this long weekend,” said Kris Sims, CTF Alberta Director. “Gas taxes are going to jump by seven cents per litre on the same day.”

The federal government is increasing its carbon tax to 17 cents per litre of gasoline, 21 cents per litre of diesel and 15 cents per cubic metre of natural gas on April 1.

The federal carbon tax will cost about $12 extra to fill up a minivan and about $18 extra to fill up a pickup truck. Truckers filling up their big rigs with diesel will pay about $200 extra due to the carbon tax.

According to the Parliamentary Budget Officer, the carbon tax will cost the average family in Alberta $911 this year, even after the rebates are factored in.

Alberta’s provincial fuel tax is also set to go up on Monday, April 1. The provincial tax is currently set at nine cents per litre, but the Alberta government is hiking it back up to the full 13 cents per litre.

“It’s disappointing to see this fuel tax hike coming from both Ottawa and Edmonton,” said Sims. “It’s pretty puzzling to see the NDP government in Manitoba and the Liberal government in Newfoundland and Labrador providing fuel tax relief for drivers, while the UCP government is cranking its fuel tax back up to full throttle here at home in Alberta.”

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