Received

Regional areas could continue to benefit from lower-taxed fuel for several weeks, despite the government reinstating the excise.

The Morrison government halved the fuel excise from March for six months in a bid to reduce pressure on the cost of living, but the excise will come back on next week.

City-based petrol stations are likely to have to buy fuel at the higher price sooner than regional stations because of higher turnover.

The NRMA's Peter Khoury said no motorists should see the increase immediately, and his motoring organisation as well as the consumer watchdog would be keeping a close eye on the matter.

"It will take several days in the capital cities and possibly even longer - up to two weeks - in regional areas," he said.

"That is because service stations will already have existing stock before they go and restock fuel at the increased rates."

Treasurer Jim Chalmers said there would be more than 700 million litres of lower-excise fuel in the system when the excise is reintroduced, so the price should not shoot up immediately.

Liberal MP Russell Broadbent said the cost of fuel was important for people in regional areas.

"Our trips are longer ... therefore an increase in the fuel excise coming shortly will have a big impact on the regions," the regional Victorian MP told the ABC.

"And we don't have the public transport out here that our city counterparts have."

However, he did not insist the excise "holiday" should continue because it was an expensive impost on the federal budget.

On Monday, the Australian Institute of Petroleum reported the national average unleaded petrol price fell by 0.9 cents a litre last week to a nine-month low of 163.5 cents a litre.

CommSec estimates it is costing the average family $228.90 a month to fill up the car, well below the record high of $297.50 a month in March.

Experts admit the key driver of bowser prices is the global oil price, which has been under pressure due to Russia's war in Ukraine.

Bowser prices are only likely to drop when the global price starts to stabilise.

Australia is supporting a price cap on Russian oil exports, which Dr Chalmers said would help address the problem.

However, he noted there are some "considerable implementation issues" for the G7 nations and Australia in putting the cap in place.

"There is no downside to Australians participating in this effort, but potentially there is some upside and that's why we want to be part of it," Dr Chalmers said.

Meanwhile, the Parliamentary Budget Office is expected to release a paper on Wednesday explaining fuel taxation in Australia and the impact of government policies.

© AAP 2022

With commuters in all but one Australian state no longer required to wear masks on public transport, doctors warn ditching the mandate will have consequences.

On Wednesday, NSW and Queensland join South Australia, WA, Tasmania and the NT in not requiring passengers on public transport to mask up.

Masks remain mandatory on public transport for people aged 12 and older in the ACT.

NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet said removing the mask mandate was a common-sense approach, bringing the rules into line for people travelling on buses, trains, ride-share vehicles, taxis and planes.

NSW Health still recommends people wear masks where they cannot physically distance and in settings where there are vulnerable people.

Queensland Health Minister Yvette D'Ath is asking commuters to wear masks when appropriate.

"There are still directions. If you are someone who has been isolating, after your five days you are requested to wear masks," she said.

In Victoria, public transport passengers must wear a mask unless they have a valid exemption, with a $100 penalty for those in breach.

Australian Medical Association president Steve Robson said governments continued to make serious decisions with no consultation and no discussion.

"This is a major decision which will have consequences, and it should have been done with national consensus and clear health guidance," he said.

"Masks kept us safe from infection when we didn't have a vaccine, and they continue to be an effective, low-cost, low-hassle and proven way to protect ourselves and others."

Professor Robson said COVID-19 was still very serious, particularly for vulnerable populations, and was deadly for many people.

"Restrictions are being loosened, including time in isolation, and we still don't have any sign this was based on medical evidence," he said.

Prof Robson said the decision came at a time when worrying data was still being released, including in relation to aged care.

"Many of our most vulnerable people in the community are the ones that use public transport the most,'' he said.

"Masks are the last of the sensible protections, and we urge people not to abandon using them."

© AAP 2022

The federal government will end petrol excise relief but insists motorists won't be hit too hard at the bowser.

Treasurer Jim Chalmers has confirmed the September 28 deadline on the temporary fuel excise cut of 22 cents per litre, citing the need for "responsible budget management" amid other increasing pressures.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission would have a role in ensuring prices didn't rocket once the cut ends, he said, noting plenty of fuel had been purchased by distributors at a lower price and that should be passed on to drivers.

"We're under no illusions this will be difficult for people - it's a difficult decision for us to take as well," Dr Chalmers told reporters on Tuesday.

"But we put a premium on responsible budget management; we do have to make room for these pressures ... ending that fuel excise relief next Wednesday night is part of the story."

He pointed to lower fuel prices in previous months as encouragement consumers wouldn't cop too much of a hit.

"We need to remember fuel prices in most parts of the country at the moment are now around 50 cents a litre below the peak recorded in July and that's obviously a welcome development," Dr Chalmers said.

"Most people understand the budget can't afford to keep the excise cut going forever and people are preparing for the fact we'll return to its normal setting."

He said the government had worked closely with service stations and suppliers to understand there was 700 million litres of lower-excise fuel in the system, adding that the consumer watchdog expected prices would not soar when the tax was reintroduced.

"This is 700 million reasons why the price shouldn't shoot up ... on the night that the excise relief ends," Dr Chalmers said.

"The ACCC and the government expect the price of petrol shouldn't shoot up at the bowser on Wednesday night by the full (amount) if the normal market pressures are in operation."

Shadow treasurer Angus Taylor said he certainly didn't want to see fuel prices "jacked up" but urged the government to show a comprehensive plan to address the many cost of living pressures in the lead-up to Christmas.

NRMA spokesperson Peter Khoury said oil companies were on notice and had to do the right thing by not immediately increasing prices.

"The ACCC have said they'll be watching and the NRMA will be as well ... servos have got existing stock and we expect it to be sold at that price," he told AAP.

"Only after they've sold existing stock and they're buying at increased prices can that be passed on to the consumers, and that obviously can't happen overnight.

"It's more than just being understanding - we expect them to do the right thing."

© AAP 2022