Trucking Association says diesel tax on refrigeration units is driving up food and medication prices

The Saskatchewan Trucking Association (STA) is calling on the provincial government to remove the road tax on diesel fuel used in trailer refrigeration units, arguing that the charge is unjustified and adds unnecessary costs to essential goods like food and medication.

George Henderson, Director of Operations and Member Services at the STA, says the fuel powering these refrigeration units is taxed like regular diesel, despite the fact that the units do not use the road system.

“It isn’t right; it isn’t fair to have that road tax on there,” Henderson said in an interview Tuesday. “That added cost goes into the invoicing for customers, and ultimately, Saskatchewan families are paying more at the grocery store.”

Henderson said the impact goes beyond food. Many refrigerated trailers are als