March 30, New Delhi - On Monday, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced that the country would halve the tax on fuel and diesel for three months in an effort to reduce costs that have surged due to the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran.
Albanese made the announcement after meeting with the leaders of Australia's states and territories, agreeing on a plan to address fuel shortages.
Australia will halve its 52-cent-per-litre petrol sales tax for three months, costing the government $1.75 billion.
The government is reassuring motorists that fuel shipments are arriving, while petrol shortages in rural areas are attributed to panic buying and distribution delays.
Some states, including Victoria and Tasmania, have made public transport free, and officials are urging drivers to conserve fuel.
New South Wales is focusing on supporting rural towns amid empty petrol stations.
(File Photo: Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese)