The increase in the carbon tax in British Columbia leads to further escalation of gas prices in Metro Vancouver.

Gas prices had been gradually rising before and during the Easter long weekend, but they experienced another surge on Monday due to the carbon tax hike, reaching $2.09 per litre.

On Monday morning, gas prices soared to nearly $2.09 per litre across Metro Vancouver following the implementation of British Columbia’s carbon tax hike.

B.C. raised the carbon tax 23 per cent as of April 1, from $65 a tonne to $80 a tonne, a figure that the B.C. NDP have said amounts to an increase of about three cents per litre.

Pump prices had already been creeping up ahead and over the Easter long weekend.

Some gas stations are charging slightly below $2.09 per litre.

The Super Save Gas Station on 12th Avenue in East Vancouver is averaging $2.069 per litre. Certain Esso stations are advertising a price of $2.03 per litre. Meanwhile, the Esso station at East Hastings and Skeena is charging $2.089 per litre.