Fill it with American regular
While Fourth of July vacationers might be excited to see fireworks tonight, they won't be as enthusiastic about Washington's skyrocketing fuel prices.
The Seattle Times reported on the recent 1.5-cent increase in the state's gas tax, the last of a three-year, 9.5-cent increase. So while commuters currently pay $4.35 per gallon, 55.9 cents of each gallon goes back to Uncle Sam, or George in Olympia.
But that ain't nothing compared to what's going on in British Columbia.According to the Vancouver Sun, gas prices hit a record high up north — a whopping $1.52 a liter, or $5.63 per U.S. gallon. Like Washington, British Columbia legislators also recently increased fuel levies, adding a 2.3-cent carbon tax. As of yesterday, Vancouver residents are paying 41 cents per liter, or $1.55 per gallon, in taxes alone, according to data compiled by Natural Resources Canada.
So if you planning on crossing the border this weekend, you might want fill up on the States side — as hard as that is to believe.
Comments:
Posted Fri, Jul 4, 1:57 p.m. inappropriate
High fuel taxes: "So if you're planning on crossing the border this weekend, you might want fill up on the States side – as hard as that is to believe."
An even better place to fill up would be at the Swinomish Tribal gas station in Skagit county. They are consistently 14 cents per gallon cheaper than the local competition. ($4.26 for regular on July 4 but if you are a tribal member you get an additional discount of 23 cents per gallon!)
How can they sell gas so cheap? Easy. They and many other tribes in WA state have negotiated a sweetheart deal to have 75 percent of the fuel tax rebated to them from the state treasury. Even better, the rebates are hidden from the public by law! Don't believe it? Do a Google on RCW 82.36.450 and read the part abut PERSONAL information.
The Swinomish are estimated to be pumping 800,000 gallons of fuel per month. With a rebate of 28 cents per gallon from the state that works out to a subsidy of $224,0000 per month. Or almost 2.7 million per year! Needless to say the Swinomish have contributed heavily to the WA State Democratic Party and to the governor! $50,000 to the WSDCC on April 23 and $2800 to Gregoire last October.
Posted Sun, Jul 6, 2:25 a.m. inappropriate
For perspective, though, it could be a lot worse. What's the Seattle average now? $4.33, I think I heard? Try over double that in Eritrea and Norway...
Granted, a lot of the cost in Europe, at least, is taxes. I wonder how high prices will have to rise here before people start calling for a gas-tax rebate, as in Britain...