The government in New Zealand has officially announced very important decisions regarding the reduction of gasoline prices, especially with the rise in inflation.
New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said Monday that New Zealand may announce measures to lower gasoline prices, possibly through a temporary cut in fuel taxes. Ardern acknowledged for the first time that high inflation was causing a cost-of-living crisis for many families, and said the Cabinet would look at ways to reduce pressure on gasoline prices.
“You can call it a crisis, an emergency or a shock, but the point is we need to do something about it,” Ardern told NewsHub. We are considering options to try to mitigate the impact of the current energy crisis, which we see as a consequence of the war in Ukraine. We in the Council of Ministers discuss the best mechanisms for this.”
Gasoline prices in New Zealand rose above NZ$3 a liter ($2.04) last week, spurred by higher global oil prices, amid supply concerns due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Speaking to Radio New Zealand during another interview, Ardern noted that one measure under consideration is a temporary reduction in the tax on gasoline, which is used to fund things like road maintenance.
“I don’t think we’ve seen any country make a permanent reduction,” she said. Because those projects have to be completed, but we are looking at a range of options; Because we are witnessing a severe energy crisis now.”
