This letter is in response to the absolute chaotic gas pricing here in the valley.

As we watch the price of crude oil fall below $100/barrel and are paying as though it were still at $145?

How the underground reserves are filled by tanker one day, only to have the price climb 12 cents, two days later? The word of a hurricane apparently affects the cost of already purchased fuel.

The fact we should have been around 1.12 per litre (or lower) by now, simply baffles me.

There is unmistakable greed at the head levels of the oil companies, and retail levels, I’m assuming both.

They will toss the price up at the drop of a hat, but to bring it down, mercy me.

The CBC even pointed to our area as the highest, that’s right, the highest in the country. Why are we paying this outrageous price?

Is it fair?

Absolutely not.

Is it time for action in face of this slap in the face?

Yes!

Some ideas, rolling boycotts weekly of certain gas stations, telephone bombardments of oil companies, and our local and national MP. Perhaps an investigation, of the likes that was done in Quebec this year.

If there is nothing to hide, then let’s have an investigation into the local fuel situation. If anything, it would enhance what we are being told by our local suppliers, they should welcome it. Doing nothing isn’t really an option anymore, we can no longer afford it. Unfortunately, patiently waiting for this to improve, is bleeding your wallets dry. I would be happy, if we even at the least bit, were being charged what our neighbouring communities (e.g. Cranbrook) were being charged. Let’s get real. If every person, phoned at least one of these numbers, you better believe change would happen. Especially during an election.

Here are some useful numbers: Gordon Campbell (Premier BC) 250-387-1715, Victoria; Norm Macdonald (Provincial MP) 250-0387-3655; Jim Abbott (Federal MP) 1-800-668-5522; Esso Head Office 780-847-3814, Marwayne, Alta.; Petro Canada Head Office 403-296-8000, Calgary.

Everett Frater,

Invermere