Government extends reduction on fuel tax and RUCs, Public Transport fares remain at half price

Reductions on fuel tax and Road User Charges have extended for at least another two months, the Government announced on Thursday.

The extension is part of the annual Budget report, which this year primarily tackles the increasing cost of living.

As such, the reductions on fuel tax and Road User Charges introduced in March will remain until August.

Public Transport fares will also continue to be half priced until August.

There are no plans to make the Public Transport half price fares permanent for everyone, as was previously suggested.

Instead, those with ‘community cards’ will receive permanent half price fares.

“The Budget eases the impact of global inflation on families,” Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said.

“While we know the current storm will pass, it’s important we do what we can to take the hard edges off it now.”

Extending these policies another two months will cost the Government $365 million.

Since the initial tax cut, fuel prices around New Zealand have continued to climb, recently cracking the $3.15 per litre mark for unleaded 91 in the Auckland CBD.