Panic at the pumps? Metro Vancouver gas stations seeing long lineups, high demand
Posted November 19, 2021 7:43 pm.
Last Updated November 19, 2021 11:47 pm.
Mere minutes after B.C. imposed restrictions on gas, long lineups, people filling portable canisters were reported at Metro Vancouver pumps.
Friday afternoon’s announcement limits people to 30 litres of gas, in an attempt to preserve supply after disastrous flooding cut off major transportation routes.
The lineups for gas are starting here at Main and E 2nd Avenue in #Vancouver. Witnessed a few people fill jerry cans as well as their tank. Situation is mostly calm. @CityNewsVAN https://t.co/VnseZrOGiJ pic.twitter.com/OyOGQzhky3
— Chad Harris (@ChadHarrisTV) November 20, 2021
People in southwest B.C., on Vancouver Island, and on the Sunshine Coast are limited to 30 litres per visit to the gas station. Emergency and essential vehicles will have unrestricted access to fuel. The measure will be in effect for 10 to 11 days.
A new order is in effect until Dec. 1 to make fuel available for essential vehicles:
• Non-essential vehicles max. 30L of fuel/visit
• Cardlock gas stations open for essential vehicles
• Gas stations’ profit margins capped to prevent price gouging https://t.co/OrMFSyzY4X pic.twitter.com/LJZCRZrtC7— BC Government News (@BCGovNews) November 19, 2021
With supply chain issues and empty shelves at grocery stores leading to angst over the availability of fuel, Carl says he noticed an uptick of people filling up before the announcement was made.
“I live in Ladner, I started seeing some vehicles doing all kinds of weird stuff at the gas station. But oh my word, it is even worse now,” he tells CityNews, describing the lineups he was seeing after restrictions came into effect.
“Avoid intersections within a block of a gas station. It is going to be single-lane traffic no matter how major the intersection is.”
Post-announcement gas stations now look substantially busier in the Lower Mainland. However stations are typically busier this time of night/week as we are right around the weekend. @CityNewsVAN pic.twitter.com/jWVvOqbqyM
— Ashley Burr (@AshleyBurr_) November 20, 2021
While people might be feeling a of panic and stress right now – this is NOT what we should be doing . Tipster sent me this image from the Petro at king George and 152. Filling multiple jerry cans is not necessary. More @CityNewsVAN https://t.co/QGRkd2oAxl #BCStorm pic.twitter.com/kUwJp7WjOv
— Tarnjit Kaur Parmar (@Tarnjitkparmar) November 20, 2021
The order also prohibits “profit margin price gouging,” and resale of fuel by individuals.
Mark Swan went to fill up in Chilliwack Thursday night.
“It was $1.49 when I went over there and filled up. I wanted to get a full tank just like everybody else,” he tells CityNews. By Friday afternoon, the price had shot up to $1.84.
“People aren’t gonna pay that because there’s that fear aspect, people are fear shopping. Every car I’ve seen come in — they’re coming with jerry cans,” he says.
“I called the gas station to complain, and it sounded like by the response that I got that they’ve been getting it all day.”
Submitted photo of high gas prices in #ChilliwackBC. Reports this is up 40 cents from yesterday, attributed to the emergency limitations on fuel. Motorists even reporting prices upwards of $1.869/L. #1130gastracker #bcstorm #bcflood #gasprices @CityNewsVAN pic.twitter.com/gyw0i0Hlid
— Riley Phillips (@Rileythedj) November 20, 2021
The BC Chamber of Commerce has issued a statement calling the restrictions “alarming,” acknowledging the province said it was necessary to maintain essential services.
The impact, however, is something the chamber is very concerned about.
“With over 3.5 million people across the regions, the economic impacts of this decision will be significant on individuals, families and businesses,” writes President and CEO Fiona Famulak.
“We are asking government to be mindful of the tremendous strain this order is going to have on our economy province-wide. Today’s decision is going to result in an immediate economic slowdown and potentially the temporary stoppage of some businesses until the supply of fuel is no longer restricted.”
READ MORE: B.C. brings in gas and travel restrictions after catastrophic flooding
Another concern Famulak raises is enforcement.
“I am hopeful that British Columbians remain calm and respectful since fuel will continue to be available for everyone. While there are risks associated with an honour system to manage the rationing, we are confident British Columbians will act honourably and respect the limitations.”
