The minister of energy says his government is keenly aware of the financial challenges people and businesses are facing these days with soaring fuel prices, and assures that they will explore every avenue if it makes life easier.

As one example, Lloyd Parrott notes that North Atlantic, which recently acquired an oil refinery in France, is processing crude from waters off Newfoundland at that facility. Further, some of it is being sold in stations in this province.

Gas and other fuel prices are at their highest level in years, something which has already begun trickling down to other products.

President Donald Trump has given Iran until today to open the Strait of Hormuz, or face “devastating” consequences.

“I don’t believe Irving can process our sweet crude but we’re looking at every possibility because it’s no secret that the cost of fuel drives everything,” said Minister Parrott.