High Gas Prices Making Rural Life Difficult

Both farmers and the rural poor are hurting because gas prices are not only higher in Canada's rural areas, but the distances required to obtain food and other necessities are so great.

1 minute read

June 3, 2008, 5:00 AM PDT

By Michael Dudley


"Prices at the pumps have shattered records across the country in recent weeks, with experts seeing no signs of reprieve in the near future.

But while the woes of those living in urban centres are being heard loud and clear, many rural Canadians have already reached a point where they're struggling to survive, according to residents, business owners and politicians.

Gas prices in rural Canada are as much as 20 cents higher per litre than the national average. In some outlying regions, as reported by locals, they are even higher.

Not only do rural residents pay more, they depend on petroleum products more as well, they say. From long drives into town for picking up essentials to filling up farm machinery or fishing boats, the impact is simply huge."

Monday, June 2, 2008 in The Globe and Mail

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