With the cost of living rising across the board, every dollar at the pump counts. The Coalition’s recent proposal to halve the fuel excise for 12 months has sparked plenty of interest – especially among drivers and small businesses feeling the pinch.
But while a temporary fuel tax cut might sound appealing, it’s worth asking: would using a fuel card actually save you more, and for longer?
In this article, we’ll break down what the excise cut really means for the average driver, how it compares to the savings fuel cards can offer, and why it might be time to start comparing your options.
What Is the Fuel Excise Cut, and How Much Would It Save?
Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has promised to halve the fuel excise – from 50.8 cents to 25.4 cents per litre – for a 12-month period if elected. The idea is to deliver short-term relief by cutting the cost of petrol by up to 25 cents per litre, depending on whether retailers pass on the full discount to consumers. For someone filling a standard 50-litre tank, that’s roughly $12.50 in savings per tank. However, that only tells part of the story. Not everyone fills up once or twice a week.
According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, the average driver fills up roughly once every fortnight. Based on that usage, the weekly saving comes out closer to $6.25 – less than the price of a takeaway coffee.
For small businesses or tradespeople with higher fuel usage, the savings could be greater. But it’s still a limited, one-year offer, with no guarantee it would be passed on in full or extended beyond the initial period.
How Fuel Card Discounts Stack Up
Fuel cards are a different story. Rather than a short-lived discount tied to government policy, fuel cards offer ongoing savings, every time you fill up.
For example, Shell Card – one of the most popular fuel cards in Australia – currently offers 6 cents per litre off during a promotional period, and up to 4 cents per litre ongoing.
Let’s put that into perspective.
- If you’re spending $100 per week on fuel (which equals around 55 litres at current prices), you’d save about $3.30 per week with Shell Card’s 6c/litre promo.
- That drops slightly to $2.20 per week once the regular discount of 4c/litre kicks in.
That might not sound like a huge amount at first – but it adds up over time, especially across multiple vehicles.
Now imagine you’re a small business running three vehicles, each spending around $250 per week on fuel. With Shell Card’s 6c discount, you’d save nearly $25 a week, or over $600 in six months.
And unlike the proposed excise cut, those savings don’t depend on election results or government policies – they’re part of your everyday fuel management.
Fuel Cards Offer More Than Just Discounts
While saving a few cents per litre is great, the real value of a fuel card goes beyond the price at the pump. Fuel cards can help you manage your fuel spend more efficiently, whether you’re a sole trader or running a small fleet.
With the right fuel card, you can:
- Track fuel purchases by vehicle or driver
- Set limits on spending
- Receive a single invoice for all fuel expenses, making it easier to manage your budget and reduce admin time.
For businesses, this level of visibility and control can lead to better decision-making and long-term savings.
Fuel cards also help take the guesswork out of expenses. Rather than reacting to fluctuating fuel prices, you have a clear, consistent approach to fuel management – something temporary tax cuts simply can’t offer.
So, Which One Offers Better Value?
There’s no doubt that halving the fuel excise would provide welcome relief to some households and businesses – especially those with high weekly fuel usage. But for many everyday drivers and business owners, the long-term value of a fuel card may outweigh the short-lived benefit of a one-year excise cut.
Fuel cards provide savings that continue year-round, along with tools that make fuel costs easier to track and control. They’re reliable, flexible, and don’t rely on changes in government policy or retailer decisions. And in a time where budgets are tight, consistency matters.
Find the Right Fuel Card for Your Needs
If you’re looking to save money on fuel (not just now, but in the long run) a fuel card is a smart place to start. Whether you’re managing one vehicle or a fleet, comparing your options can help you find a card that fits your budget, offers real savings, and gives you greater control over your fuel costs.
Check your eligibility now and find the best fuel card to suit your needs. The right card could save you more than any temporary discount and keep delivering value every time you fill up.
