Albanese urged to help Australians struggling with fuel crisis, as NZ offers first-of-its-kind cash relief

David Pocock says a flat 25% export levy on gas producers could redirect ‘wartime profits’ to struggling Australians Get our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcast Pressure is mounting on the Albanese government to help households struggling with fuel prices, with working from home and free public transport posited as possible solutions. Nearly 150,000 New Zealand families will soon receive a weekly cash payment to help them afford petrol, believed to be the world’s first fuel relief package that directly pays citizens since the Israel-US war on Iran began. Expectations are increasing on the federal government to act similarly in a bid to ease the spiralling cost-of-living crisis worsened by the conflict in the lead-up to its May budget. On Tuesday, the treasurer, Jim Chalmers, again ruled out any cut to the fuel excise, which adds more than 52 cents per litre to the price of petrol – but doesn’t increase or decrease when the fuel price changes. Tax rate cuts coming into effect from next financial year are the main area of focus, he said. On Monday, the minister for social services, Tanya Plibersek, said working from home would be “helpful” for those struggling to affo