We should all be paying close attention to the unfolding saga around British Columbia’s inquiry into gasoline and diesel prices.

Not so much for answers, because we likely won’t get those. But rather to see which companies are willing to give us the transparency we deserve as customers.

Just days before the BC Utilities Commission inquiry ordered by Premier John Horgan begins oral hearings, energy companies that dominate the provincial retail and wholesale market are refusing to provide commercial data that would appear crucial to its work.

As of 2018, it’s estimated the average B.C. household spends more than $4,000 on gasoline and diesel annually. Price jumps at the pumps mean higher costs for all and forces sacrifices to be made by far too many.

The inquiry survey sent to the gas suppliers and retailers — including major ones such as Suncor Energy, Parkland Fuel Corp., Shell Canada, Imperial Oil and Husky Energy — includes questions that go to the heart of the matter. The answers would be kept confidential.

“Please provide information on your monthly average refining margin per litre of gasoline and diesel since January 2015.”

And … “How does your retailing margins in B.C. compare to your retailing margins in other markets within Canada?”

In other words, are the higher prices in B.C. due to extra costs? Or do they mean bigger profits?

The responses are often as uniform as their gas prices, for example: “Suncor is not prepared to provide monthly average refining margin as this information is competitively sensitive.”

And … “This information is commercially sensitive and confidential. Accordingly, Husky is not able to provide a response.”

You get the picture.

Some companies have provided data on margins confidentially.

One of them is 7-11 Canada, which operates 124 retail gas stations in B.C., who gave answers on retailing margins that are redacted in the replies posted on the inquiry website.

B.C.’s minister of jobs, trade and technology, Bruce Ralston, is urging all companies to co-operate

“People deserve to know why the price of gasoline in B.C. has seen such wild swings," he said.

And he’s right.

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Major companies do offer their reasons for higher gas prices in B.C. including, obviously, high taxes (a key factor not included in the BCUC inquiry’s mandate), transportation costs and more. They also point out that retailing margins don’t necessarily reflect profit with such variables as the minimum wage, land values and property taxes, and credit card processing fees not factored in.

Still, you’ll have to take their word for it.