Robertson says fuel tax likely to stay in Auckland

Wellington drivers can breathe a sigh of relief. Finance Minister Grant Robertson told TVNZ’s Q+A yesterday that he didn’t expect the new regional fuel tax to hit any areas other than Auckland. ‘‘That’s not our intention,’’ Robertson said, ‘‘partly because nobody else has asked us, but also because these problems [congestion] are specific to Auckland.’’ Despite the hike, Auckland fuel prices will likely remain about equal or slightly below Wellington’s, thanks to the infamous ‘‘Gull effect’’.