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July 17, 2006
Peace River rages over gas prices
By CARY CASTAGNA -- Sun Media
Peace River residents are fuming over the high price of gasoline. According to the website albertagasprices.com, the town, 484 km northwest of Edmonton, was home to some of the most expensive gas in the province this past weekend. Employees at the Main Street Shell in Peace River have had to contend with some ornery motorists since the price of a litre of regular gasoline hit $1.159. "A lot of people are complaining because it's crazy," said Kiefer Wood, a 14-year-old pump jockey. "They're wondering why it's going up so much. It's supposed to go up later this summer and then go down after that. "Personally, I don't think it's going to go back down." Co-worker Chase Milligen, 17, said he's had to cut back significantly on his own driving. "I bike a lot more. I have a little truck with a V-8, so it sucks the gas pretty hard," he said, adding he has also dealt with plenty of angry customers. "A lot of people get bitchy and complain. Most people are starting to accept it now." Milligen said a chart at the gas station shows that 30 to 40% of the price of gas is due to taxes. "I think that's stupid, especially in a province like Alberta where we have so much money," he added. Stan Lee, assistant manager at the Esso Tasty Express in Peace River, said gas prices in the town are typically seven or eight cents higher than in Edmonton. "We have to charge more for the delivery fee," he said. "What can we do? Gas prices are going up." Kristy Vanniekerk, 24, said she just moved to Peace River from Windsor, Ont., where fuel prices are just as bad. "I'm trying to walk more," she said. Other high-priced Alberta gas could be found this weekend in Grimshaw ($1.159), Fairview ($1.159), Fort McMurray ($1.135) and Beaverlodge ($1.129), according to albertagasprices.com |