Labour Vows To Scrap Fuel Excise Increase
As fuel prices hammer households and businesses across New Zealand, Labour is trying to reposition itself as the party willing to intervene on the cost of living. Chris Hipkins says National’s planned fuel excise increase would make an already brutal economic squeeze even worse — especially for workers and industries that can’t simply absorb soaring transport costs.
The Labour Party will scrap National’s fuel excise tax increase while fuel prices remain high, and families continue to struggle with the cost-of-living crisis that the National Government has been making worse.
New data shows fuel prices continuing to surge, with no relief in sight from this Government.
“Fuel costs are squeezing families and businesses already stretched thin before this crisis began, and the Government is still doing nothing about it,” Labour Leader Chris Hipkins said.
Labour targets National over rising fuel costs
“Petrol prices have risen 33.6% and diesel has gone up a staggering 94.9% in the last two months.
“This is hitting the people who keep our economy moving: truck drivers, farmers, and tradespeople. They don’t have the luxury of waiting for National to get their act together.
“They’re paying for diesel at nearly double the price it was two months ago, on top of electricity prices which have gone up 20% over the past two years. Business liquidations are at a 15-year high, and National’s lack of action is only making it worse.
“This is about priorities. At a time when people are cutting back on essentials, the Government should not be asking them to pay even more every time they fill up their tank.
Cost-of-living pressure is becoming a political crisis
“This upcoming Budget is the Government’s last chance to show that they have a real plan to help Kiwis get ahead. Anything less will make life harder for families already stretched to breaking point.
“Luxon and Willis promised to ease the cost of living, but they have made it worse. New Zealanders need real action, and they need it now,” Chris Hipkins said.
