Australians could wait days or even weeks for much-needed relief at the petrol pump after Anthony Albanese announced the reduction of a key fuel tax for three months.
The fuel excise, a tax on petrol, will be halved, seeing petrol prices finally go down after soaring for weeks due to the supply issues arising from the Middle East conflict.

Starting today, significant changes will take place, offering Australians more predictability about when they can expect lower fuel prices.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese during a press conference at Parliament House in Canberra on Friday 27 March 2026. fedpol Photo: Alex Ellinghausen
Anthony Albanese announced the fuel excise would be temporarily halved, providing much-needed relief at the petrol pump for Australians.(Nine)

How long will these petrol prices last?

However, substantial and lasting reductions at the pump depend largely on a decrease in oil prices.

The trajectory of oil costs is heavily influenced by the ongoing Middle East conflict, which currently shows little sign of resolution.

New South Wales Premier Chris Minns has advised residents to brace for potential long-term disruptions due to the unfolding situation.

“I don’t foresee a resolution within the next 30 days,” Minns stated.

“It’s uncertain whether this will conclude in a week or become a prolonged issue… but we must be ready for all possibilities,” he added.

How many days of petrol does Australia have left?

Briefing parliament yesterday, he said the country has nine days’ worth of petrol, 30 days’ worth of diesel; and 30 days’ worth of jet fuel.

Bowen said any shipments that were cancelled have been more than properly replaced, as he looks to ease fears of a drop in supply.

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