Opposition Leader David Brazil is calling on the provincial government to take immediate action to lower the cost of gas and other fuel products in Newfoundland and Labrador.

The price of gas rose above $1.50 a litre in most parts of the province this week, thanks in part to new carbon taxes that came into effect July 1. That’s unacceptable says Brazil.

He says the cost of fuel is going to create financial pressures on families who now have to spend more money to travel. He’s also concerned about the impact on the cost of food and other essential goods.

He says government officials have a number of options at their disposal, including having the PUB review gas prices to find savings, removing the five cents per litre added when the Come By Chance refinery shut down, remove the HST on gasoline, and calling on Ottawa to reduce the carbon tax.