The National Road Transport Association is calling on Canberra to hold the Road User Charge at zero until the end of 2026 — warning a July reinstatement would add 32.4 cents per litre to an already stressed industry.
The National Road Transport Association (NatRoad) is calling on the Federal Government to maintain the Road User Charge (RUC) for heavy vehicles at zero until the end of 2026, as new member feedback reveals the extent to which rising diesel costs are forcing operators to turn away business.
With diesel prices still sitting well above pre-crisis levels and no near-term relief in sight, NatRoad is warning that allowing the RUC to recommence from 1 July would impose a further 32.4 cents per litre on operators already under severe cost pressure — a move the peak body says would ripple far beyond the transport sector.
“Diesel prices are still well above where they were prior to the current global disruptions, and all indications are they will remain elevated for some time. Truck operators are still facing sustained cost pressures. Those costs don’t stay within the industry — they flow through to every Australian household.”
Warren Clark, CEO, NatRoad
NatRoad’s member feedback paints a stark picture of the operational reality facing road transport businesses. Around 40% of operators surveyed said they had already turned down or cancelled work because of rising fuel costs — a figure with implications not only for business viability, but for the availability and cost of goods reaching consumers.
“Anyone who has driven past a petrol station recently will have seen the high price of diesel,” Mr Clark said. “Soon, if the road user charge is reintroduced at the start of July, the price will increase by another 32.4 cents per litre.”
A targeted, time-limited ask ahead of the Budget
NatRoad is urging the Government to make a decision ahead of the Federal Budget on 12 May, arguing that early certainty would allow both operators and government agencies to plan with confidence. Mr Clark framed the request as a practical intervention, not a structural reform.
“We recognise the Government is under budget pressure, but this is a practical, time-limited measure to support an essential industry at a critical time,” he said.
The association acknowledged the Government’s broader fiscal constraints while arguing that road freight operators have limited capacity to absorb cost increases without broader economic consequences.
“Truck operators can’t simply cut back on fuel use without impacting the movement of goods across the country. If trucks don’t move, shelves don’t get stocked and businesses don’t operate. The impact is felt right across the economy.”— Warren Clark, CEO, NatRoad
NatRoad said maintaining the current zero-rate RUC settings would help stabilise the industry while global conditions remain uncertain and fuel markets continue to fluctuate.
WHAT OPERATORS NEED TO KNOW
- The Road User Charge for heavy vehicles is currently set at zero — this is due to expire on 30 June 2026.
- If no action is taken, the RUC will recommence from 1 July, adding 32.4 cents per litre to diesel costs.
- NatRoad is calling for the zero rate to be maintained until 31 December 2026.
- The Federal Budget is scheduled for 12 May 2026 — NatRoad wants a commitment before that date.
- Fleet operators are encouraged to engage with NatRoad’s advocacy campaign and contact their local member.
