Gull general manager Dave Bodger is slamming the regional fuel tax legislation and is warning motorists to prepare for queues at the pump.
Bodger is expressing concerns over the policy which will see an 11.5 cent per litre fuel increase for Auckland from July 1.
The Land Transport Management (Regional Fuel Tax) Amendment Bill is being heard for the third time in Parliament on Tuesday.
Bodger says the bill has been rushed and there is still a lot of uncertainty around its implications.
The finer details of the bill are being created without consultation, he says.
“The imposition of this tax has been hurried.
“It is not acceptable that businesses that rely on fuel such as commercial vessels, market gardeners, subdivision and roading developers do not know yet if they qualify for an ‘off road’ rebate for the tax or how they may process it.
“I understand the regulations are due [Tuesday], however these appear to have been produced in a government vacuum.
“I understand no one from industry has been able to proof them or make comment as yet.
“What happens if they contain errors, are unworkable, or overlook certain industries who use fuel?
“Unfortunately this could be a mess that business must tidy up following the hurried legislation.
“My concern is that business will have to wear a major cost increase until matters are rectified. Uncertainty and greater costs could potentially be passed on to consumers, which is not a great state of affairs.”
Bodger also predicts there will be delays at petrol stations following the tax introduction on July 1.
“Unfortunately, a legislated increase of this magnitude will be passed on to motorists, and we apologise in advance for expected queues at the pump in the days prior.”
