2022 New Zealand fuel tax subsidy

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In March 2022 the New Zealand government reduced a fuel tax after a cost of living crisis brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russian invasion of Ukraine. After multiple extensions to the subsidy's end date,[further explanation needed] it ended in June 2023.

Background

New Zealand was suffering from a cost of living crisis[when?] brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Russian invasion of Ukraine, among other factors. In February 2022, fuel prices had risen by 13%.[1]

History

The cuts started in March 2022. Fuel prices would be reduced by 25 cents, and train and bus fares halved; there was also a 36% diesel discount.[2][1][3] Originally, these were planned to last only three months, ending in June. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern at the time said that this would save between $11.50 and $17.25 per tank of fuel. In the May 2022 New Zealand budget, the subsidy was extended until January 2023.[1] In December 2022, the government extended the cuts until the end of February, then would halve the cuts to 12.5 cents per litre and end the subsidy on 31 March.[4] In February 2023, the government announced that it would extend the fuel cuts until the end of June.[4]

On 1 July 2023, the fuel tax cuts were removed.[5] People lined up at petrol stations before the tax cuts ended, and many people took multiple trips.[3] Some people urged motorists to refuel early to avoid queues or fuel shortages.[6] The end of the subsidy caused a large increase in the number of Gaspy users, a fuel price monitoring app.[7]

Cost

The cost to the government of the initial three-month period was $350 million. The extension until June 2023 cost $718 million. In total, it was estimated that $2 billion was spent on the subsidies.[further explanation needed][5]

References

  1. ^ a b c "Fuel tax cuts: What you need to know". RNZ. 14 December 2022. Retrieved 29 October 2023.
  2. ^ McConnell, Glenn (26 June 2023). "Boost for foodbanks as fuel tax cut, half-priced public transport, ends". Stuff. Retrieved 4 November 2023.
  3. ^ a b "Petrol stations slammed as Govt fuel subsidy comes to an end". 1 News. Retrieved 4 November 2023.
  4. ^ a b "'It will come to an end': No more fuel tax subsidy after June". NZ Herald. 29 October 2023. Retrieved 29 October 2023.
  5. ^ a b Mcilraith, Brianna (27 June 2023). "Explainer: Everything you need to know about the fuel tax cut ending". Stuff. Retrieved 29 October 2023.
  6. ^ "Motorists urged to fuel up early to avoid shortages". Otago Daily Times Online News. 25 June 2023. Retrieved 4 November 2023.
  7. ^ Cann, Geraden (3 July 2023). "Surge in members of Gaspy app as New Zealanders seek out cheaper petrol". Stuff. Retrieved 4 November 2023.
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