Gina Rinehart, a prominent figure in the mining industry, has called on Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to eliminate the fuel tax, arguing that it is being unfairly treated as a luxury in the midst of a global oil crisis.

As Australians face soaring fuel prices that have exceeded $3 per liter, they also contend with an additional burden of a 52-cents-per-liter excise tax. The recent turmoil in the Middle East has further exacerbated these costs at the pump.

In response to the escalating fuel prices, several countries, including Italy, Spain, Croatia, Portugal, Brazil, and Ireland, have taken measures to reduce their fuel excises to alleviate the financial strain on motorists.

Rinehart, Australia’s wealthiest individual, is advocating for similar action from the Australian government.

“Fuel should not be considered a luxury purchase, yet it is taxed as though it is,” Rinehart stated in an interview with the Daily Telegraph.

She emphasized that fuel is a vital component, integral to everyday life and nearly all sectors of the economy.

‘Higher fuel costs do not just affect motorists, they push up the cost of transporting goods, running farms, operating many small businesses and delivering services.’

Ms Rinehart believes that the priority should be on relieving the financial burden on Aussies, rather than increasing it.

‘For the average driver, removing the excise would save around $2,000 a year – money they pay after they’re already taxed,’ she added.

‘For people living in major cities there may be alternatives, but in regional Australia driving is a necessity.’

Federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers told parliament on Tuesday that cutting the fuel tax was ‘not something we have been considering’.

The former Coalition government halved the fuel excise from 44.2 cents per litre to 22.1 cents for six months in 2022 following Covid.