Alberta may soon be able to restrict BC’s access to gasoline

The on-going Trans Mountain pipeline dispute escalated once again today as the Albertan government introduced legislation that could have a drastic impact on B.C. drivers.

If passed, the bill would allow Alberta's energy minister to restrict the flow of oil, gasoline and natural gas leaving the province.

"The bill sends a clear message: we will use every tool at our disposal to defend Albertans (and) to defend our resources," Notley said on Monday.

This legislation would give the Alberta the power it needs to restrict the export of natural gas, crude oil and refined fuels across its borders. #ableg

— Marg McCuaig-Boyd (@MargMcCuaigBoyd) April 16, 2018

Under the new regulations direct truckers, pipeline companies and rail operators caught violating imposed restriction would face fines of up to $1 million a day for individuals and $10 million a day for corporations.

Alberta is “very committed to putting pressure on B.C. to come around and focus on what this pipeline actually means,” said Notley on Monday but indicated the move is not designed to punish B.C. for delays in the Kinder Morgan Trans Mountain pipeline expansion.

This Bill is about giving us another tool, to put pressure on the BC gov't and remind them what the pipeline really means for all of us. Every day without TMX built means less revenue for schools and hospitals, less jobs, and more dependence on one market. #ableg #cdnpoli

— Rachel Notley (@RachelNotley) April 17, 2018

With approximately 80,000 barrels of refined fuels going to B.C. daily, the move would predictably wreack havoc on the province's already sky-high gas prices.

Early estimates from experts say motorists could see an increase of about fifty cents at the pump as well as a rise in the price of air travel.