LETHBRIDGE, AB: The Canadian Taxpayers Federation is calling on Alberta Premier Danielle Smith to follow Prime Minister Mark Carney’s move to cut fuel taxes.

“It’s weird that we saw this gas tax cut happen in Ottawa first, but Smith still has time to do the right thing and cut fuel taxes for Albertans,” said Kris Sims, CTF Alberta Director. “Smith should fully cut the provincial fuel tax to save drivers 13 cents per litre of gasoline and diesel at the pumps.”

Carney announced he is temporarily suspending the federal excise tax on fuels to save taxpayers 10 cents per litre of gasoline and four cents per litre of diesel.

The federal fuel tax suspension will save taxpayers about $7 every time they fill up a minivan and about $11 when filling up a pick-up truck.

Alberta’s provincial tax on fuel costs drivers 13 cents per litre of gasoline and diesel.

Suspending the provincial fuel tax would save drivers about $10 every time they fill a minivan and about $15 when they fill up a pick-up truck.

Big rig truck drivers would save about $125 every time they fill up their tanks with diesel.

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 per barrel, 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.

Oil prices are currently above $90 USD, but due to technicalities, the Alberta government is saying taxpayers have to wait until July 1 for tax relief at the pumps.

“Oil prices have been high since March and drivers are paying the high prices now,” said Sims. “Now that Carney has made his move, Smith should suspend the entire fuel tax today instead of making Albertans wait another two months for some relief.”

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