Ballooning fuel prices are hitting every municipality in the province hard, including the city of Mount Pearl. However, Mayor Dave Aker is confident the city can find ways to adapt to the rising costs.

Aker says most of the fuel they burn is diesel for things like garbage collection and snowclearing, which he says has hit their budget big time.

However, Aker states the city has about a $55 million budget, and they can absorb some of those costs by making savings in other areas.

According to Aker, there’s “no doubt” that they’ll have to reallocate budgets, but council is determined to insulate residents and businesses from tax increases as much as possible. However, if things become too difficult they will have to take a serious look at the budget and realign everything.