Gas prices continue to climb in the Maritimes; New Brunswick motorists are looking at an increase of about four cents per litre Thursday. The jump comes after an increase of five cents per litre last week.
Cab driver Todd Puffinbarger says his rates are regulated so increases in the price of gas cut right into his profits.
“It comes right out of our bottom line. Every time it goes up we lose money and then when it goes down, maybe we get some back, maybe we don’t, depending on how far it goes,” says Puffinbarger.
“I mean, cab driving is a gamble at best, and then they just keep stacking it against us. It is harder to make money out here.”
Poverty advocate Sister Aurea Cormier says motorists with lower and fixed incomes are hit the hardest when prices jump at the pumps.
“This woman comes to my door and says ‘I have a death in my family. I don’t have the gas to go up to visit my family’ and whenever the price of gas goes up it really is painful for them,” says Cormier.
However, an economist at Mount Allison University says there can be an upside when gas prices increase, as well as environmental benefits.
“Higher prices of gasoline are going to result in shifts to other non-carbon-based fuels, which has to be good for the economy in the longer term, and good for humanity in the longer term,” says Frank Strain.
However, student Gabrielle Doucette says she is more concerned about how high gas prices are affecting her in the short term.
“Well, it will cost me a lot more money to fill up my car and to get to work,” says Doucette. “I am working for the summer so, as a student, it will take a big chunk out of my budget.”
Strain says relief may be on the way, but likely not anytime soon. He expects gas prices will continue to fluctuate over the summer months.
With files from CTV Atlantic's David Bell
