The federal government’s decision to halve the fuel excise tax, reducing the cost of a litre of petrol by around 26.3 cents, has received widespread approval from the Australian public.
The move is estimated to save motorists between $12 and $21 at each fill-up, depending on their vehicle type.
The latest poll shows even right-leaning voters approve of the measure.
Before the announcement, only 36 percent overall were satisfied with the Albanese government’s performance, while nearly two-thirds (64 percent) saying they were unhappy.
Among Labor voters, just 61 percent approved and support from Greens voters was even lower, at 52 percent.
But the biggest swing occurred among supporters of the opposition parties.
Before the excise cut, 89 percent of Liberal-National Coalition voters, and 96 percent of One Nation voters thought poorly of the government’s handling of the crisis.
That’s now swung entirely in the opposite direction, with Coalition voters overwhelmingly approving (83 percent) and those who voted for other parties or independents also in favour of the move (80 percent).
Eighty-six percent of Labor voters scored the government’s decision positively.
Support is slightly higher among women (89 percent) than men (76 percent), and evenly spread across all age bands, with over 80 percent in favour.
Similarly, positive responses were fairly even across the states and all bar Tasmania (79 percent) in the 80s.
“When asked who is responsible for the current fuel supply challenges and cost increases facing Australians, U.S. President Donald Trump emerges as the single most responsible individual, mentioned by 38 percent of respondents,” said Roy Morgan CEO Michele Levine.
“In addition, two-thirds mention international actors such as President Trump, or the three countries primarily involved in the war: the U.S., Israel, and Iran.
“However ... around a third place the responsibility at the foot of the Australian government, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Energy Minister Chris Bowen. Respondents assert that the government has not done enough to mitigate the impacts and respond decisively to secure the interests of Australians.”
In 2000, Australia had eight refineries that could convert raw crude oil into useable petrol for the entire nation.
Fast forward to 2026, six refineries are closed and Australia now imports about 90 percent of its useable petroleum from Asian countries like Singapore and South Korea due to their cheaper operations.
In turn, Asian countries import approximately 60 percent of their crude from the Middle East.
The Iran War, which caused a global spike in oil prices, has spurred renewed interest in Australia reviving its local refining industry so it can weather any future global crises—the Straits of Malacca to the north of Australia is the world’s busiest oil transit zone.
Meanwhile, almost half (48 percent) of all Australians reported cutting back the amount of driving they’re doing, and a fifth said they changed travel plans or decreased their spending in other areas so they could afford fuel.
Only 11 percent say they’re buying less fuel, and around a third of all respondents (34 percent) had made no changes due to the fuel crisis.
However, there is a significant gender difference when it comes to making behavioural changes, with 41 percent of men saying they are driving and spending exactly as they did before, compared to 28 percent of women.
Regional Areas Feeling More Pressure
Judging by people’s observations, capital cities are experiencing fewer shortages than country areas. Sixty-five percent of city dwellers hadn’t noticed any empty pumps, compared to 58 percent in rural areas.By state, people in Tasmania (89 percent) and Victoria (72 percent) are the most likely to not be aware of any fuel shortages in their area, followed by Queensland (65 percent), Western Australia (57 percent), and South Australia (57 percent).
New South Wales didn’t fare nearly as well, with nearly half (46 percent) noting shortages compared to 54 percent that aren’t aware.
“Looking forward the biggest concern [for most people] is the impact on the cost of living and inflation, with the prospect of higher interest rates to come mentioned by around a third of respondents,” Levine said.
“In addition, Australians are concerned about the growing impact on businesses and the economy generally [which was] mentioned by around 27 percent of respondents, with a further 26 percent mentioning the government failures and policy shortcomings as a key factor.”
