Over 40 pct of Australians say U.S., Israel most responsible for fuel crisis

CANBERRA, April 29 (Xinhua) -- Over 40 percent of Australians blame the United States and Israel for the ongoing fuel crisis and a majority expect the national economy to get worse in the next six months, according to a poll published on Wednesday.

The latest edition of the Essential Report, a monthly poll on social and political issues conducted by independent firm Essential Research, asked respondents who they most blame for the ongoing fuel crisis, with 42 percent identifying the United States and Israel for initiating strikes on Iran.

By comparison, 32 percent of respondents said they most blame the Australian government for not planning ahead, and 17 percent said that Iran bears the most responsibility for closing the Strait of Hormuz.

The conflict in the Middle East caused fuel prices in Australia to soar to record highs in March, prompting federal and state governments to cut the fuel sales tax temporarily.

Ahead of Treasurer Jim Chalmers handing down the federal budget for 2026-27 in May, 68 percent of respondents to the Essential poll said they would strongly or somewhat support a move to extend the fuel tax cut.

Asked about the Australian economy over the next six months, 55 percent predicted it would get worse and 14 percent said it would improve.

When the same question was last asked in the August 2025 edition of the poll, 35 percent of participants said the economy would get worse over the next six months and 22 percent said it would improve.

The latest edition found that 54 percent of Australians believe the country is generally heading on the wrong track, up from 49 percent in February, compared to 30 percent who said the country is going in the right direction. Enditem