The federal Coalition has pledged to introduce a new fuel cost relief measure aimed at helping motorists during periods of soaring global oil prices, promising the policy could save drivers about $15 on an average tank of petrol when activated.
Announcing the proposal on Sunday, Opposition Leader Angus Taylor said a Coalition government would temporarily halve the fuel excise whenever the global price of Brent crude oil averages more than US$100 per barrel over a two-week period.
The policy, dubbed the Fuel Price Shield, is designed to provide targeted relief when international energy markets push fuel prices significantly higher in Australia.
Taylor said the initiative would be fully funded through the Coalition’s proposal to reduce revenue reliance on tobacco excise and argued that Australian families and businesses needed support when fuel costs surge.
“Fuel Price Shield is all about providing relief at the bowser when it really counts,” he said while outlining the plan in Canberra.
Under the proposal, the reduced fuel excise would remain in place for up to three months after being triggered. The measure could also end earlier if the eight-week average price of Brent crude falls back below the US$100-per-barrel threshold.
The announcement comes as ongoing instability in the Middle East continues to place pressure on global energy markets, contributing to higher fuel prices in many countries, including Australia.
The opposition says the policy would help offset rising household expenses and reduce pressure on motorists who rely on private vehicles for commuting, business operations, and travel.
Some drivers have welcomed the proposal, saying fuel costs have become a growing burden amid broader cost-of-living pressures. Travellers and long-distance motorists in particular have reported noticing significant increases in petrol prices in recent months.
Brisbane resident Mitch Stanton, who is currently travelling across Australia, said rising fuel expenses had added unexpected costs to his journey.
The Fuel Price Shield proposal is expected to become a key part of the Coalition’s cost-of-living agenda as political debate continues over how best to address household expenses and economic challenges facing Australian families.
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