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A large majority of Australians support the federal government’s temporary cut to fuel excise, according to a new poll.
The Roy Morgan survey of 2,514 people found 83 per cent approve of the decision to reduce fuel excise by 26.3 cents per litre for three months, while 17 per cent disapprove.
The findings come despite earlier dissatisfaction with the government’s handling of fuel supply issues. Before the policy was announced, 64 per cent of respondents said they were not satisfied with the federal response, compared with 36 per cent who were satisfied.
Michele Levine, CEO of Roy Morgan said although there is widespread support for the decision, the current fuel shortages and rise in fuel prices are not affecting the ability of most Australians to carry out essential activities as of yet.
“A large majority of Australians (83 per cent) have expressed their approval for the Albanese Government’s decision to cut the fuel excise on petrol and diesel in half – a cut of 26.3 cents per litre – for three months. Only one-in-six Australians (17 per cent) disapprove.”
While concern about fuel shortages has been widely reported, most Australians say they are not directly affected. The survey found 63 per cent are not aware of shortages in their area, and 76 per cent say rising prices or supply issues have not affected their ability to travel for essential activities.
However, behaviour is shifting. Nearly half of respondents (48 per cent) said they had reduced driving, while 20 per cent had changed travel plans and 19 per cent had cut spending in other areas to offset fuel costs.
Levine added that cost-of-living pressures remain a key concern, with many respondents pointing to inflation and broader economic impacts.
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