ATO role in the National Fuel Security Plan
On 30 March 2026, the Australian Government announced the National Fuel Security Plan.
We are administering temporary measures from 1 April 2026, including:
- reducing the fuel excise for 3 months (32 cent per litre reduction) – see Excise duty rates for fuel and petroleum products
- changes to fuel tax credit rates due to
- the reduction in the heavy vehicle road user charge to zero for 3 months – see Rates – business
- the deferral of the next scheduled increase in the heavy vehicle road user charge by 6 months.
These changes are now law.
ATO options for impacted taxpayers
If you are impacted by increasing fuel prices, the ATO has a range of options to help manage your tax obligations.
Options for businesses
The ATO is offering streamlined access to a new temporary ATO fuel response payment plan in response to the impact of high fuel prices on businesses.
This is in addition to pre-existing options available to help manage your tax obligations, including:
- priority processing of tax returns
- remitting penalties and interest
- varying your pay as you go (PAYG) instalment
- payment plans
- help with paying employee super on time
- discretion not to offset.
To find out more, visit Tax support for businesses and not for profits.
Options for individuals
For individuals experiencing hardship due to fuel prices, we have pre-existing support services. To find out more, visit Support in difficult times.
How registered tax and BAS agents can help
As a registered tax or BAS agent you play a vital role in supporting your clients who are impacted by high fuel prices. You can support your clients who are most impacted as follows:
- Where your clients are likely to receive an activity statement refund, manage your workflows to prioritise their lodgments to help them manage cashflow.
- If your clients are eligible for the ATO fuel response payment plan, you can lodge an application on their behalf provided you have their written authority to do so.
- Consider the ATO’s existing support mechanisms such as payment plans, lodgment and payment deferrals and penalty and interest remission and guide your clients as appropriate.