In Australia, Victoria and Tasmania Waive Transit Fares as Fuel Prices Soar
The New York Times • • world
Key Points:
- Starting Tuesday, Victoria will offer free public transit for a month to help residents cope with rising fuel costs caused by the Iran war, potentially saving commuters up to 220 Australian dollars.
- Tasmania is also providing free bus and ferry rides for three months amid a 20 percent increase in public transport usage due to higher fuel prices.
- Retail gasoline prices in Australia have surged about 40 percent since the conflict began, straining household budgets and leading some to cancel holiday plans.
- The federal government will reduce the excise on gasoline and diesel by half for three months, offering drivers savings of approximately 19 Australian dollars per tank, while maintaining that fuel supply remains secure in the near term.
- Australia imports 90 percent of its fuel, mostly from Asian refineries reliant on Middle Eastern crude, making the country vulnerable to global oil market disruptions stemming from the Iran conflict.
