90% of British Columbians think rising gas prices are a serious problem
Results of a recently completed poll have just been released by Insights West, sharing exactly what British Columbians think of the rising gas prices.
In an online survey, using a sample size of 810 British Columbians, 9-in-10 residents (89%) believe the increase in gas prices to be a serious problem – unsurprisingly.
Additionally, two-thirds of residents (67%) revealed that the increased gas prices are having a negative effect on them personally.
What is surprising, however, is how residents of the province are adjusting to the rising prices in their day-to-day lives – specifically with how they commute on a daily basis.
Nearly half of BC (47%) say they’ve reduced the number of times they use their vehicles.
Residents aren’t driving nearly as far as they used to and one-in-five even admitted to changing their summer vacation plans.
Insights West
The rising prices have proven to make a solid dent in the wallets of British Columbians as well, with most of them having made adjustments to their spending habits.
Survey results show that a third (32%) have “shifted their spending from things like food and entertainment to cover the costs of increased fuel prices.”
Some simply purchase less gas each time they visit a gas station, but a startling 20% of British Columbians have resorted to crossing the border to access the cheaper gas.
While it’s an early idea, it looks like a number of drivers already have their eyes set on all-electric or hybrid vehicles to avoid the ridiculous prices.
When asked who’s to blame, the majority was split between pointing the finger at government taxes (60%), oil companies seeking to make higher profits (57%), and the constant requirement to bring in foreign oil (53%).
Insights West
While there are a handful of reasons people believe are to blame for the rising prices, it seems like BC’s newly-increased carbon tax is a big culprit. The tax came into play last April when an increase of $5 a tonne was implemented by the provincial government.
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