Gas prices have taken a dip across the valley thanks to the elimination of B.C.'s consumer carbon tax.

Stations in Vernon that were posting 161.9 cent/litre prices March 31, dropped to 143.4 - an 18.5 cent decrease.

Meanwhile Salmon Arm saw a 20 cent drop, to as low as 135.2 cents.

"British Columbians are doing everything they can to reduce their emissions. But people shouldn't have to choose between climate action and being able to afford their bills," said Premier David Eby. "That's why we are eliminating the consumer carbon tax, which has become divisive at a time we need to be united."

The reduction of the tax to $0 is an immediate step to align B.C.'s carbon tax rate with the new federal carbon tax rate. The elimination of the carbon tax means people in British Columbia will no longer be required to pay the consumer carbon tax, taking approximately 17 cents per litre off the cost of fuel and approximately 15 cents per cubic metre for natural gas on their home heating bill.

The climate action tax credit, developed to help offset the impacts of the consumer carbon tax on people and families, will also be cancelled. The final payment will be distributed in April 2025.

"The carbon tax has been an important tool in B.C. for over a decade and half, but it has become too politically divisive and a distraction from the important issues we are tackling," said Brenda Bailey, Minister of Finance. "While this is a significant shift for our province, we will offset the impact while focusing on growing the economy during these challenging economic times."

Cancelling the tax and the credit will have an estimated impact of $1.99 billion in the coming fiscal year. The province will restructure programs funded by carbon tax revenue to minimize the impact on B.C.'s budget, while supporting people in British Columbia in achieving climate goals.

The province will continue to ensure big polluters pay through the B.C. output-based carbon pricing system.