澳大利亚政府将于8月3日结束每升16澳分的燃油税减免政策，导致汽油价格面临大幅上涨[1]。能源部长克里斯·鲍文明确表示，政府不会延长这一临时生活成本救济措施[1]。根据AMP首席经济学家沙恩·奥利弗的预测，此举将推高汽油价格至210澳分/升，平均家庭周燃油开支将增加约20澳元[1]。
当前澳洲各首都汽油价格已接近或超过190澳分/升，其中堪培拉达205.6澳分/升、达尔文204.4澳分/升、霍巴特200.5澳分/升[1]。柴油价格同样持续攀升，墨尔本柴油价格现为242.7澳分/升，较6月低点上升68澳分，堪培拉和达尔文分别为244.4和244.1澳分/升[1]。税减免取消后，55升油箱加满油的成本将额外增加8.80澳元[1]。
油价上升背景下，国际局势风险持续加剧。伊朗与美国冲突在两周前重燃后，霍尔木兹海峡几乎完全关闭[1]，布伦特原油价格从7月2日的约70美元/桶飙升至近90美元/桶[1]。澳大利亚目前库存相对充足，拥有43天的汽油库存、39天的柴油库存和34天的喷气燃料库存，另有44艘油轮正在运往澳大利亚，本月将交付31亿升燃油[1]。
Australia's fuel excise discount is set to expire on August 3, ending a temporary cost-of-living relief measure that has kept petrol prices artificially lower.[1] The 16-cent-per-litre reduction will be eliminated, allowing prices to surge to an anticipated $2 per litre for petrol and $2.40 per litre for diesel.[1] Energy Minister Chris Bowen has made clear the government will not extend the relief, stating "our policy position is very clear."[1]
The removal of the tax cut will significantly increase household fuel expenses. A 55-litre fuel tank will cost an additional $8.80 to fill, while the average family will spend roughly $20 more per week on fuel, according to AMP chief economist Shane Oliver's projection that petrol prices will reach 210 cents per litre.[1] Several Australian capital cities are already approaching record prices, with Canberra at 205.6 cents per litre, Darwin at 204.4 cents, and Hobart at 200.5 cents.[1] Diesel prices have climbed steeply, rising 68 cents since June lows, now standing at 242.7 cents per litre in Melbourne, 244.4 cents in Canberra, and 244.1 cents in Darwin.[1]
Global market pressures are intensifying the price spike. The Strait of Hormuz has become nearly impassable following a resurgence of Iran-United States tensions two weeks ago, disrupting crude oil supply flows.[1] Brent crude has surged from approximately $70 per barrel on July 2 to nearly $90 per barrel by Saturday.[1] Australia maintains adequate fuel reserves with 43 days of petrol stock, 39 days of diesel, and 34 days of jet fuel on hand, while 44 tankers are en route to deliver 3.1 billion litres of fuel this month.[1]