LETHBRIDGE, AB: The Canadian Taxpayers Federation is calling on the Smith government to immediately suspend Alberta’s 13 cent per litre fuel tax as gas prices soar.

“Oil prices are nearly $100 USD per barrel and gas prices are through the roof,” said CTF Alberta Director Kris Sims. “People trying to get to work, trucks delivering food to grocery stores, and parents driving their kids to sports are all feeling the pinch.”

Alberta’s fuel tax relief program adjusts the provincial fuel tax based on the price of oil. Once oil prices are more than $90 USD, the entire 13 cent per litre fuel tax is suspended. However, if oil prices are less than $80 USD, the entire fuel tax remains in place.

Under the current formula, the government would only factor in oil prices for the three weeks prior to March 16. The CTF estimates that oil prices under the formula will work out to $77 USD. That means the government wouldn’t cut fuel tax until at least July 1 simply because prices spiked after the arbitrary March 16 date.

“Oil prices have been over $90 USD since March 6 and taxpayers are getting hit now,” said Sims. “Aberta Premier Danielle Smith should suspend the entire fuel tax today instead of making Albertans to wait another three months for some relief.”

Alberta’s fuel tax relief program can be found HERE.

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