The Regulation of Gas Prices Needed
The NDP are calling for the regulation of gas prices as consumers get hosed and independent retailers cry foul.
NDP MPP Gilles Bisson is asking the Dalton McGuinty government to tame the wild price fluctuations with a provincial gas price review board.
There's a big consumer problem here in Ontario and that is pump shock.
Setting the price would provide stability for motorists and also protect small independents who are being forced by big oil giants into price wars they can't afford, Bisson said.
The large companies can afford to set prices that force independents to sell below cost or lose customers. In the past decade, the share of Ontario's retail gas market controlled by independents has shrunk from almost 40% to under 25%.
So unless something happens, and within 90 days, I think you'll see literally no independents left in the marketplace to stabilize the price. And when that happens, of course, pricing will go unchecked.
Albert Kopans of Petro Plus Inc. said one of their franchisees has been forced to take a day job to keep his gas station afloat.
He cannot support his business any more. He keeps a part-time employee, this is it,.
Bisson is proposing the government regulate prices, possibly through the Ontario Energy Board, by setting a minimum price that could be adjusted to allow for some competition.
NDP MPP Gilles Bisson is asking the Dalton McGuinty government to tame the wild price fluctuations with a provincial gas price review board.
There's a big consumer problem here in Ontario and that is pump shock.
Setting the price would provide stability for motorists and also protect small independents who are being forced by big oil giants into price wars they can't afford, Bisson said.
The large companies can afford to set prices that force independents to sell below cost or lose customers. In the past decade, the share of Ontario's retail gas market controlled by independents has shrunk from almost 40% to under 25%.
So unless something happens, and within 90 days, I think you'll see literally no independents left in the marketplace to stabilize the price. And when that happens, of course, pricing will go unchecked.
Albert Kopans of Petro Plus Inc. said one of their franchisees has been forced to take a day job to keep his gas station afloat.
He cannot support his business any more. He keeps a part-time employee, this is it,.
Bisson is proposing the government regulate prices, possibly through the Ontario Energy Board, by setting a minimum price that could be adjusted to allow for some competition.
posted by Ottawa Gas Prices | 7:59 PM
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
<< Home