The provincial government says a Liberal amendment to make further cuts to the provincial gas tax in response to rising fuel prices from the war in Iran may be a case of jumping the gun.

Earlier this month, government made the move to extend the gas tax cut – a break that was introduced by the Liberals a while ago.

The Liberals have since tabled an amendment that would provide further reduction to the levy when gas prices reach a certain level, something the PCs have not committed to doing.

During debate in the House last evening, MHA Sherry Gambin-Walsh reiterated the party’s plea to accept the amendment given the ever-changing situation in the Middle East.

Energy Minister Lloyd Parrott indicated that the amendment might be a bit too drastic given the war is only 20 days old.

“We understand the situation we’re in, but we also understand that the war is 20 days in, and what is being asked here is to amend what is being made permanent,” he said. “So now we’re asking to take extra taxes off a permanent bill because of a 20 day situation… this could change tomorrow. And you know what? It could get a lot worse tomorrow, but we need to give it a chance.”

The provincial government makes about $24-million for every one-dollar increase in the price of a barrel of oil through royalties.

The war in Iran is now into its 21st day.