The Labour Party will scrap National’s fuel excise tax increase while fuel prices remain high, and families continue to struggle with the cost-of-living crisis the National Government has been making worse.

New data shows fuel prices continuing to surge, with no relief in sight from this Government.

"Fuel costs are squeezing families and businesses already stretched thin before this crisis began, and the Government is still doing nothing about it,” Labour Leader Chris Hipkins said.

"Petrol prices have risen 33.6 percent and diesel has gone up a staggering 94.9 percent in the last two months.

"This is hitting the people who keep our economy moving: truck drivers, farmers, and tradespeople. They don't have the luxury of waiting for National to get their act together.

“They're paying for diesel at nearly double the price it was two months ago, on top of electricity prices which have gone up 20 percent over the past two years. Businesses liquidations are at a 15-year high, and National’s lack of action is only making it worse.

"This is about priorities. At a time when people are cutting back on essentials, the Government should not be asking them to pay even more every time they fill up their tank.

“This upcoming Budget is the Government’s last chance to show that they have a real plan to help Kiwis get ahead. Anything less will make life harder for families already stretched to breaking point.

"Luxon and Willis promised to fix the cost of living, but they have made it worse. New Zealanders need real action, and they need it now," Chris Hipkins said.

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