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With gas prices dropping across Ontario, London drivers are feeling the difference at the pump. While some are happy about the extra savings, others believe it’s just a move to win votes as the election approaches.
A London driver voiced her concerns, saying she sees the price drop as just another example of politicians trying to gain support through familiar tactics.
“We don’t get political like that. I just think it’s another excuse for the government to grab money, but we’re not going to get rid of it because those that have the power to do it won’t – because they profit from it. And those of us that are hurting… we can’t.”
She felt the price drop wouldn’t stay for long or do much to help those in need. “We all know they’re down right now because it’s an election. As soon as the election is over, it’s going to go right back up.”
For her, the quick savings didn’t make up for the bigger long-term problems. “Saving 10, 20 dollars really doesn’t make a huge difference – not in the short period.”
She shared how her father, who passed away months ago, still got a government cheque, showing how out of touch political moves can be. “It was just like the gas prices and everything else. It’s just a ploy to get you to vote.”
Another driver agreed, saying it’s hard to ignore the political timing of the tax cut. “Of course, it’s for elections. The politics is completely different now… we are not saving.”
He didn’t refuel often, but believed the system needed more stability. “They should be steady… If they keep it for a year or so and keep reducing and produce more oil, then it makes sense.”
Not everyone felt the same way. One London driver saw the difference right away and was happy about the savings. “I even noticed the other day at the pump, I was paying about like 10–20 cents less. So I’m happy about that too.”
He said that if the prices stay low, the savings could really add up over time. “It’ll probably save me a couple hundred bucks a month at the pump if it keeps looking like this… I think it’ll benefit me in the long run. I wouldn’t necessarily say… I know a lot of people do like receiving the checks and stuff like that, so I don’t know if it’s actually the smartest move. But me personally, I don’t mind it.”
Petro Canada, Dundas and Clark (Ben Harrietha – XFM News)
Another Londoner said the drop in prices came as a pleasant surprise. “It’s awesome seeing that the prices have gone down… I’m quite enjoying that extra little change in my pocket instead of feeding it towards the gas tank.”
But like others, they remained cautious about how long it would last. “I imagine they’ll likely rise back up when it starts to be summer holidays and tourists.”
They recalled years of driving and watching gas prices change. “I’ve seen them go from when they used to be around like 90 cents… up to like $1.50 almost… Everything kind of fluctuates and it’s going to be… ever fluctuating, ever fluid, because nothing is really set in stone.”
While the removal of the carbon tax is giving drivers in London a break at the pump for now, many are waiting to see what happens after the election and if the savings will last.
