Fuel & Energy Reductions

Media Release
Issued: Tuesday 31st March 2026
Townsville Chamber Advocacy Response – Fuel & Energy Reductions

Following calls from the Townsville Chamber of Commerce, we welcome the Prime Minister’s announcement of a temporary excise reduction, which will see 26.3 cents per litre taken off fuel prices at the bowser.

The decision to also reduce the heavy vehicle road user charge to zero for three months provides meaningful relief to the transport and logistics sector at a time of sharply rising operating costs. For a regional economy like Townsville, where freight costs are consistently among the highest pressures faced by local businesses, these measures offer welcome support.

Whilst these measures are welcomed, the Chamber calls on the Government to provide the ACCC with additional powers to ensure that the full savings are passed on to consumers.

The Chamber also notes the Queensland Government’s commitment to easing energy costs through the Crisafulli Government’s Energy Roadmap. Energy affordability remains a critical issue for small and medium enterprises across North Queensland, and steps that help stabilise or reduce power bills are strongly supported by the Townsville Chamber.

While these initiatives are encouraging, all levels of government must remain attentive to the broader economic environment. Many small businesses in Townsville are operating on extremely tight margins, navigating persistent labour shortages, and managing ongoing cost of doing business pressures. Temporary relief is valuable, but long-term policy certainty and a continued focus on competitiveness, productivity, and workforce capacity will be essential to sustaining regional economic growth.

Townsville Chamber President, Kevin Booth said:
“Townsville businesses will welcome the Prime Minister’s decision to reduce the fuel excise by 26.3 cents per litre and temporarily remove the heavy vehicle road user charge. Our region is disproportionately affected by high freight costs, and any measure that eases that burden provides immediate and meaningful relief to local operators. These steps recognise the pressures facing regional economies like ours, where transport costs flow directly into the price of doing business.”

Townsville Chamber CEO, Emma Peters added:
“Members are telling us that any relief on fuel, freight and energy costs is welcomed, because these pressures have been biting hard across every sector in Townsville. Businesses are seeing their operating costs rise faster than their ability to pass them on, and many are working with extremely tight margins while still trying to retain staff and meet growing demand.”

The Chamber looks forward to ongoing collaboration with government to ensure Townsville businesses remain resilient and well positioned during this unsettled economic period.

For further information or interviews, please contact Emma Peters, CEO on 0407 796 858 or email: ceo@townsvillechamber.com.au