Anthony Albanese says "ensuring fuel supply" as govt shifts focus to fuel reserves

Australian motorists will see petrol prices jump by 16 cents per litre starting Sunday, as Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed the end of a temporary fuel excise reduction enacted during the Iran conflict, which had halved the tax for three months in April before a gradual phase-out. Speaking Thursday on ABC TV, Albanese addressed the decision amid rising Middle East tensions and fresh Strait of Hormuz closures, noting that the government has shifted focus toward securing fuel stockpiles. He stated that Australia currently holds greater fuel reserves than it did on February 28, when the war began. Albanese also indicated the discount could be reinstated if the situation deteriorates further. The cancellation coincides with gasoline prices nearing two dollars per litre, and Finance Minister Katy Gallagher separately confirmed the termination of a related heavy-vehicle road-user charge discount for diesel, calling both measures temporary responses to the initial outbreak of hostilities.