BOWSER BLOWOUT: Petrol hits $2.70 a litre locally as pressure mounts for tax cut
Fuel prices in Ballina have hit 269.9 cents per litre for unleaded and 329.9 cents for diesel, as global supply pressures drive sharp increases at the bowser.
With increasing reports of people filling up at stations and driving of without paying, Federal MP Kevin Hogan is calling on the federal government to halve the fuel excise, a move he says would cut about 25 cents per litre.
“This is real cost of living relief that can be delivered straight away,” Mr Hogan said.
“People in our region rely on their cars more than most, for work, school and everyday life. When fuel goes up, everything goes up.”
The surge comes amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, including conflict involving Iran, which has tightened global fuel supply and pushed prices higher.
Fuel excise in Australia currently adds about 50 cents per litre to petrol prices, meaning any temporary reduction would flow directly to motorists.
Similar measures have been used overseas, with countries including Ireland and Italy temporarily reducing or removing fuel taxes during price spikes.
The Morrison Government halved the tax charged on each litre of fuel sold in Australia, dropping it from 44.2 to 22.1 cents in March 2022 – a reduction that lasted for six months to ease household costs.
Mr Hogan said the same reduction should also be applied to the Heavy Vehicle Road User Charge, warning transport costs ultimately flow through to groceries, services and small business operations.
“This would take immediate pressure off households and help keep local businesses moving,” he said.
He said regional communities were particularly exposed, with longer travel distances and fewer alternatives to driving.
Mr Hogan said the temporary cut could be funded by winding back several government programs, including the Electric Car Discount, green hydrogen subsidies and tax credits, and pausing the Home Battery Scheme while strengthening integrity controls.
“This is a sensible, targeted measure that provides relief now, not months down the track,” he said.
“Australians shouldn’t have to carry the full weight of a global fuel shock.”
Main Image: A reminder of where prices were just four weeks ago when the price hikes started.
It’s getting a bit ridiculous in Ballina at the moment, isn’t it? I just saw the bowser at $2.70 and it’s hitting the family budget hard. Kevin Hogan mentions cutting back on subsidies to fund the excise drop, but I wonder if there’s any independent advice on managing finances or digital risks during these “cost of living” shocks? I was reading some bits by Felipe Salazar on https://guiade1wincolumbia.com regarding digital integrity and risk auditing — does anyone know if his analysis on platform security and financial transparency is applicable to the apps we are using here in Oz to find better deals, or is that strictly for the overseas markets he covers?