March 18, 2026

#economy: Te Pāti Māori calls for fuel tax suspension as cost pressures mount

Matthew Tukaki Posted On March 18, 2026

Te Pāti Māori is calling on the Government to urgently suspend the fuel excise tax, arguing immediate action is needed to ease the growing financial strain on whānau across Aotearoa.

The party says rising petrol prices are placing increasing pressure on households already struggling with the cost of living, with fuel costs now flowing through to essentials such as food, transport, and everyday goods.

The call comes amid a sharp escalation in global oil prices, which has driven up fuel costs nationwide and intensified concerns about affordability, particularly for low-income communities and those in rural areas who rely heavily on transport.

Te Pāti Māori argues that removing the excise component of fuel pricing would provide immediate relief at the pump, helping to reduce weekly household expenses and ease pressure on whānau budgets.

The party also points to the broader economic impact of rising fuel costs, warning that higher transport and freight expenses are already contributing to increased prices across the supply chain, further compounding financial hardship.

The proposal to suspend fuel excise tax adds to a growing national debate about how best to respond to the current fuel crisis. While some political voices support targeted relief measures, others have cautioned that cutting fuel taxes could have implications for government revenue and infrastructure funding.

Te Pāti Māori maintains that urgent intervention is required, arguing that the scale of the crisis demands immediate and practical support rather than long-term policy discussions.

As fuel prices continue to climb, the pressure is mounting on the Government to respond, with calls intensifying for measures that provide direct relief to whānau facing rising costs across multiple fronts.