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Drivers frustrated with fuel price hike

Price at the pumps in Summerland rose by nine cents a litre
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Last week’s sudden jump in gasoline prices has left motorists feeling frustrated.

The price rose from 138.9 cents a litre to $147.9 cents a litre for regular unleaded gasoline.

Spencer McIntosh, who lives in West Kelowna but works in Summerland and Penticton, said the higher price is affecting him since he drives 40 to 80 kilometres a day for work.

Lynn Sauer, who also has to drive to work, is also noticing the price difference. “That was a big shock,” she said of the sudden price increase. “I wish I had filled up the day before the price went up.”

Jack Peterson was also disappointed as he filled his vehicle.

“It’s been going steadily up pretty quickly,” he said.

The price increase affects him as he makes the drive to the Okanagan from Keremeos every day.

While Kyle Carroll is still driving now, he wonders how long he will be able to afford the higher prices.

“If it goes up anymore, I won’t be able to drive,” he said. “It’s getting too expensive.”

Matt Dykstra said the increased costs have meant he and his family are making some changes.

“We just don’t go as far any more,” he said. “We try to do things more locally.”

Dykstra also wonders why the prices are able to fluctuate as much as they have this summer.

John Goedhart is also disappointed with the latest price increase.

“It’s frustrating,” he said. “It’s always going up. It’s complete price fixing.”

Anne-Marie Crofts said the price increases are beyond her control.

“It’s just something that we have to live with,” she said. “What are we going to do about it?”

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John Arendt

About the Author: John Arendt

John Arendt has worked as a journalist for more than 30 years. He has a Bachelor of Applied Arts in Journalism degree from Ryerson Polytechnical Institute.
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