ZB ZB
Opinion
Live now
Start time
Playing for
End time
Listen live
Listen to NAME OF STATION
Up next
Listen live on
ZB

Temporary, targeted, timely: Finance Minister defends fuel relief package

Author
Newstalk ZB,
Publish Date
Wed, 25 Mar 2026, 8:02am
Photo / Mark Mitchell
Photo / Mark Mitchell

Temporary, targeted, timely: Finance Minister defends fuel relief package

Author
Newstalk ZB,
Publish Date
Wed, 25 Mar 2026, 8:02am

The Finance Minister is confident she hasn't jumped the gun with her fuel relief package. 

The Government's unveiled a temporary $50 weekly tax credit for about 143 thousand eligible lower-income families with children. 

It will continue for a year, or until the price of 91 drops below $3 a litre for four weeks in a row. 

Nicola Willis told Mike Hosking she has to prepare for a range of scenarios. 

She says the conflict could be prolonged, and the supply chain disruption that's causing prices to rise could continue for some time. 

Willis says she’s focusing on securing supply rather than providing support for businesses facing rising fuel prices. 

When it comes to helping businesses, the Government is changing fuel rules so importers can bring in fuel refined to Australian standards. 

She told Hosking it's essential the transport, manufacturing and agriculture sectors have enough fuel to keep going. 

Willis says it would be wrong to artificially push down the price of diesel when —if the worst-case scenario plays out— we could be having to preserve our diesel supply. 

LISTEN ABOVE 

Take your Radio, Podcasts and Music with you