The Federal Government has conceded that fuel prices are higher than it would prefer, following the end of Labor's fuel excise discount this week. The removal of the temporary relief has pushed petrol prices back above two dollars per litre across the country.
Government defends temporary measure
Energy Minister Chris Bowen acknowledged the price surge but stressed that the situation could be worse. He reiterated that the discount was always intended as a temporary measure to help Australians cope with the worst of the international fuel crisis.
"Of course, petrol is more expensive than we'd like it to be because of the international prices. But prices are about 50 cents less now than at the time that the government took the decision to halve the fuel excise," Mr Bowen said.
Other cost of living measures continue
The Minister added that the Government's broader work on cost of living relief remains ongoing.
