LPG exempted from petrol tax hike

LPG exempted from petrol tax hike

Less vehicle pollution should be one result of the government's decision not to increase the excise tax on automotive LPG, the LPG Association said today.

LPGA president, Owen Poole, congratulated the government for exempting the fuel from the latest tax rise, saying the move sends a positive signal to motorists to fill up with cleaner-burning options.

"As well as roading concerns, New Zealand has a vehicle pollution problem that is much worse than many people realise," Mr Poole said.

"In addition to creating significant environmental damage, exhaust emissions cause major health problems. It's so bad that a Ministry of Transport report shows around 399 people over the age of 30 die prematurely each year from vehicle-related pollution."

Mr Poole said automotive LPG was also exempt from last year's petrol and diesel tax rise. That boosted the fuel's popularity, particularly among commercial and high mileage drivers who contribute most to vehicle pollution in the high-use corridors of our major cities.

"Ultimately we need to transition to prototype transport fuels like hydrogen. But that's many years off for the average motorist.

"In the meantime, LPG is the best bet. There is plenty of it available for New Zealand, it's more greenhouse-gas friendly than petrol and it emits over 90 percent less than the harmful particulates found in diesel exhaust. Particulates can cause premature death, respiratory diseases and asthma attacks, as highlighted in a recently Ministry for the Environment discussion paper.

"By exempting LPG from the tax increase, the government is saying to drivers: 'Use this cleaner fuel.'"

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