Howard unveils $1.5b alternative fuels package.


The Prime Minister has unveiled a $1.5 billion plan to encourage the use of alternative fuels.
John Howard has confirmed that from today a $1,000 rebate will be available for the purchase of new LPG powered vehicles.
There will be a $2,000 grant for the conversion of existing vehicles from petrol to LPG.
Mr Howard has told Parliament that the package also includes increased oil exploration and grants for petrol stations to install ethanol pumps.
"This is a difficult time for Australians faced with high petrol prices and it is only appropriate that the benefits which accrue to Australia from our substantial resource base flow through beyond a narrow part of our society," Mr Howard said.
Mr Howard says the package will help motorists deal with the rising cost of petrol.
"The fuel bill for a six cylinder vehicle travelling 15,000 kilometres a year would be cut by $27 a week," he said.
In other developments:
The National Party is urging the Federal Government to go even further to encourage alternative fuels. (Full Story)
A new opinion poll shows rising petrol prices could be hurting the Federal Government, with support for the Coalition down on the previous month. (Full Story)