Australian drivers are set to face a steep price jump at the bowser as the 16c a litre fuel excise cut comes to an end at midnight on Sunday. The cost-of-living relief measure was helping Australians cope with financial pressures amid the Middle East war, leaving many bracing for the end of the multibillion-dollar fuel tax discount on the weekend. During such transitions, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) monitors retail fuel prices to ensure providers do not gouge consumers. Resources Minister Madeleine King had earlier said the government "won't rule out" the possibility of continuing the fuel tax cuts on Tuesday. Australians were driving less, considering electric vehicles changes and struggling as the fuel price index jumped from 94.35 in February to 125.29 in March, increasing by a dramatic 32.8 per cent.