National must immediately cancel the planned fuel excise tax increase while international oil prices remain high and households are already feeling the squeeze at the petrol pump.

“Kiwis should not be hit with higher fuel costs because this Government refuses to rule out a tax grab,” Labour transport spokesperson Tangi Utikere said.

“Roads of National Significance are no longer on the cards because National couldn’t afford them.

“With those fantasy roads gone, National has had every opportunity to give motorists certainty, but they can’t even rule out increasing fuel excise while oil prices are elevated.

“That is simply not good enough.

“When the cost of filling up the car is already putting pressure on household budgets, the last thing Kiwis need is Christopher Luxon and Nicola Willis adding to the bill, and to inflation.

“Higher fuel prices means more expensive food, farming and freight, and New Zealanders aren’t managing as it is.

“We cannot afford three more years of National. They should cancel the fuel excise increases and give New Zealanders certainty that they won’t be slugged with even higher costs at the pump,” Tangi Utikere said.