At midnight on April 1, the new carbon tax hike kicked in which meant the price at the pumps jumped overnight.
Some experts predict that we will see a major spike in the coming weeks. The carbon tax added another 3.3 cents per litre which means a 50-litre fill will cost an extra $1.65. Homeowners will see natural gas bills rise to 15.3 cents per cubic metre, 2.9 cents bump.
According to a CityNews, a gas price watchdog reports that as gasoline production switches over to the summer blend, markets are signalling a 13 cent per litre increase sometime between April 15 and 18. He also warns, ‘get used to it as it will be the new normal’. The high prices in 2024 are here to stay, they are not going to go down. With the federal government adding this tax, on Jan. 1, the second carbon tax will make 2024 and 2025 very expensive years.
Carbon tax rebates will continue to come from the federal government to help offset the new tax hike. In Manitoba, a single person can expect $600 back a year, a couple $900, and a family of four $1,200.
The plus for Manitobans is that the provincial government is extending the fuel tax holiday.
Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew made the announcement on CTV Morning Live on April 2 ahead of the unveiling of the provincial budget.
The current tax break, which is in place from Jan. 1 to the end of June, removes the 14 cent provincial tax on gas. Now, the province has extended the tax break for another three months.
Kinew said the province made this decision as Manitobans are dealing with inflation and the high cost of living.
