The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) is reminding trucking operators that it has updated its fuel tax credit calculator with the new rates applicable from April 1 to June 30.
The federal government has reduced excise and excise-equivalent customs duty rates on petrol and diesel by 60.9 per cent in total for that period, first by 50 per cent, then by a further 10.9 per cent.
This means fuel tax credit rates have also been reduced.
“To help your business get it right and claim correctly, you can use our fuel tax credit calculator which we’ve updated with the new rates for this period,” the ATO update said.
“If your business uses petrol and diesel for any business activities other than for travelling on public roads, you’ll receive a lower fuel tax credit because the fuel excise duty has been reduced. You’ll claim 20.6 cents per litre.
“If your business operates heavy vehicles (with a GVM greater than 4.5 tonnes) for travelling on public roads, you’ll see a small increase in the fuel tax credit rate for three months.”
This is because the road user charge (RUC), which normally reduces your credit, has been temporarily set to zero during this period.
This means you’ll claim 20.6 cents per litre for petrol and diesel, instead of 20.2 cents per litre.
Fuel tax credit rates are based on the date you acquired the fuel. Different rates apply before April 1, 2026 and from April 1 to June 30, 2026.
“Your registered tax or BAS agent can help you with your BAS,” the ATO added.
Meanwhile, the National Road Transport Association (NatRoad) has warned that the return of the RUC, and an increase to fuel excise in July would place further pressure on mum-and-dad businesses and send cost of living soaring.
NatRoad CEO Warren Clark said it was not realistic to expect a resolution to the Middle Eastern conflict by July, and warned reinstating charges too early would be a major setback for people still under enormous financial strain.
“This is the wrong call and a kick to Australians who are already on their knees,” Clark said.
“We have said over and over – the RUC should be suspended until the end of the year to keep the country going. For many smaller operators, the 32.4 cents per litre saving from cutting RUC was not a bonus — it was the difference between parking up and staying afloat.”