Labor cuts fuel excise for three months, saving Australians 26c a litre on petrol and diesel | Petrol prices

Anthony Albanese has halved fuel duty in a move that will save motorists 26 cents a liter and is encouraging people to use public transport wherever possible as the national cabinet unveils a plan to manage the oil crisis.

Following a meeting of state and federal leaders on Monday, leaders also agreed to reduce the heavy vehicle road user charge to zero for three months to support truck drivers.

“We’re making fuel cheaper today because we understand Australians are under significant pressure,” Albanese said.

The SCT reduction on fuel will come into force as of Wednesday. Excise duty is currently set at 52.6 cents per liter and will be reduced to 26.4 cents.

“We really want to encourage Australians who can use public transport to save fuel for areas and industries that need it, and I would note that some jurisdictions are also taking action to reduce public transport fares,” Albanese said.

“The less fuel we use in cities, of course, the more we can focus on regional areas under pressure.”

The national cabinet met for the second time on Monday to discuss the fuel crisis. The meeting came after state premiers repeatedly called for national consistency on the response but produced differing plans on public transport; Victoria and Tasmania will make transit free, but New South Wales and Western Australia have refused to follow suit.

Business groups on Sunday called for help for companies to retain employees and cash flow support as the flow-on effects from rising fuel prices begin to affect various sectors; The National Farmers Federation demanded tax breaks and government assistance in financing fertilizer purchases; On the other hand, concerns were also expressed for maintenance workers, tradesmen and transportation drivers, who were hit hard by increasing costs.

More details coming soon…