BC Ferries increasing fuel surcharge
Posted October 17, 2022 9:49 am.
Last Updated October 17, 2022 11:39 am.
High gas prices aren’t just affecting vehicles in Metro Vancouver, with BC Ferries announcing an increase to its fuel surcharge due to rising costs.
The corporation says it’s increasing the charge by 1.5 per cent starting Nov. 1.
This means on routes between Metro Vancouver and Vancouver Island, it will cost adult travellers an additional 70 cents and $3.15 for a vehicle and driver.
In a statement, BC Ferries says it “does not benefit financially” from surcharges.
“Over the past 18 years, BC Ferries has used a fuel rebate/surcharge mechanism to manage the price volatility. When prices are lower, BC Ferries issues a fuel rebate to customers as part of fares. Conversely, higher prices result in a fuel surcharge specifically designed to cover the additional cost of fuel,” the statement adds.
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In an effort to be more “green,” the company notes it’s made investments to reduce its reliance on fuel. In addition to using “lower cost fuels, such as liquefied natural gas,” BC Ferries says it has also introduced battery-equipped vessels “designed for future full electric operation when shore charging infrastructure can be installed in B.C.”
However, despite such initiatives, BC Ferries admits “a fuel surcharge is necessary at this time.”
BC Ferries also increased its fuel surcharged in June, saying the 2.5 per cent hike was “necessary” due to fuel market conditions. That increase more than doubled the existing fuel surcharge at the time.
Gas prices have skyrocketed across the Metro Vancouver region over the past several months, most recently over the summer. However, there was a significant drop in prices last week, with a litre of regular falling by about 40 cents in just days.
Regardless, Metro Vancouver drivers continue to see some of the highest prices, with people in this region also subjected to the highest fuel taxes nation-wide.
