Victoria's Gas Prices Soar, Hitting Workers Hard

0:00It's March 31st. Vancouver News today starts now, AI-powered and ready. I'm Cory with the story. Gas prices in Greater Victoria hit $2.06 per liter on Monday, squeezing drivers who rely on their vehicles for work. Despite ties back to tensions in the Middle East, hitting rideshare folks, delivery drivers, and small business owners' hardest since they cover, fuel out of pocket. DoorDash Canada stepped up last week with up to $36 extra per week for couriers, which they say says about $0.36 per liter. Based on typical car efficiency, meanwhile, some local entrepreneurs are eyeing ways to pass those costs to customers to stay afloat. Take Dog Walker Diego Frank, who lauds 185 kilometers daily in his truck for 16 pickups and drop-offs. His fuel bill is stacking up quick. CapCompanyPresident Paul DeNota says, even with hybrid fleets, drivers are barely clearing minimum wage after $30 to $40 a day in gas. $300 kilometers ships.

1:01Electrician Russell Gowatt is getting picky too, turning down jobs that don't pencil out with the higher costs. He's also seen fewer calls from clients pinching pennies, delaying big fixes like hot tub installs amid the uncertainty. As prices stay volatile, these workers are adapting on the fly, balancing books and routes to keep rolling without breaking the bank.