The fuel tax reform formula has now been reviewed by NDRC and various other related government departments. Once the draft reform formula is ready, it will be released to seek public opinion on amendments, said Zhang Ping, minister of the National Development and Reform Commission at a press conference this morning.

"The goal for this reform is to highlight four concepts, which are fair taxation, a regulated charging system, energy conservation and less financial burden for the people," Zhang said.

"It is fair that the more people consume oil the more they have to pay for it," Zhang said. By replacing the maintenance fee for roads, navigation systems and road tolls with a fuel tax, car owners will pay less than before.

"By replacing the fees with fuel taxes, we also hope to regulate road toll stations that used to charge drivers for no legal reason," he added.

(China Daily November 27, 2008)