Energy Minister Chris Bowen has acknowledged that it might take a few days before consumers see reduced prices at the gas pump following the halving of the fuel excise.

On Monday, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese revealed that his administration would reduce the fuel tax as part of a comprehensive National Security Fuel Plan. This four-step strategy aims to mitigate the effects of price surges caused by ongoing conflicts in the Middle East.

Bowen appealed to drivers for patience, advising them not to vent frustration on petrol station employees if the excise reduction isn’t immediately reflected in pump prices, especially as the Easter holiday approaches.

Speaking to Nat Barr on the Sunrise show Tuesday, he explained, “Service stations may still have fuel in their tanks that was purchased days earlier.”

He added, “The tax has already been paid on that stock.”

Bowen clarified, “If you find the price unchanged tomorrow, it’s likely because they are using existing fuel supplies. The lower-taxed fuel has yet to arrive.”

‘It’s really important we don’t yell at the person behind the counter, it will take a little while.’

Barr asked how long a ‘little while’ would be.

‘Days in the city areas, could be longer in regional areas,’ Bowen replied.

The fuel excise cuts come into effect from 12am Wednesday.

But Bowen struggled to give Barr a definite answer as to when motorists will see a 26 cent a litre drop at the bowser.

‘It’ll vary from station to station,’ he said.

‘City stations turn over fuel more quickly, regional ones more slowly.’

‘It could be real quick for some, but for others, it may take longer.’

The minister also addressed fears from everyday Aussies that they won’t be able to afford their mortgages if inflation and interest rates rise due to the fuel excise cuts.

‘I hear you, but this will help cut headline inflation,’ Bowen explained.

‘If you reduce petrol by 26 cents a litre, that eases cost pressures during this international crisis.

‘And remember, the food you buy at the supermarket is transported by diesel. If diesel is cheaper, that helps bring down food prices too.

‘Petrol and diesel are essential across the whole supply chain, not just for drivers, but for everything we buy.

‘There’s a war on. It’s having global economic impacts. We can’t stop the war, but we can shield Australians from the worst of it.’