with Michelle Rowland MP Federal Member for Greenway

The conflict in the Middle East is pushing up fuel prices here at home. While Australia is not an active participant in this conflict, global supply disruptions are being felt across the country.

I know Australians, including here in Northwest Sydney, are feeling the pressure.

Whether it’ s commuting to work, running a business or dropping the kids at school, every trip adds up, with higher fuel prices putting real strain on household budgets, small businesses and

tradies who rely on their vehicles every day.

That’ s why the Albanese Government is acting.

We are taking practical steps to provide immediate relief. Every litre of petrol and diesel is cheaper through to 30 June, with the fuel excise halved. In addition, we have secured an agreement with states and territories for a further cut, bringing total relief to 32 cents per litre.

At the same time, we are working to keep fuel flowing. We have engaged with international partners, including locking in supply arrangements with countries such as Singapore and Brunei. We have secured hundreds of millions of litres of additional diesel for Australia, and work is underway to secure more fertiliser for our farmers.

We are supporting the transport sector by reducing the Heavy Vehicle Road User Charge to zero for three months and deferring the next scheduled increase by six months.

We have also taken action to protect consumers. Penalties

for price gouging have doubled, and the ACCC has been tasked with increased monitoring and enforcement.

Here in New South Wales, the FuelCheck app – using real time data – is showing the latest prices at the bowser as well as any outages, helping drivers find fuel nearby and avoid unnecessary trips.

There are also simple steps you can take to reduce your fuel use, helping conserve fuel for our truckies, farmers and essential services, while saving you money. This includes keeping your tyres properly inflated and reducing excess weight in your vehicle. For more tips you can head to fuelplan. gov. au.