Fuel Supply Fears Grip Australia as 97% Express Concern Amid Global Tensions
If you are feeling uneasy about fuel availability, you are far from alone. New research has uncovered that a staggering 97 per cent of Australians are worried about fuel supplies, with current global tensions exacerbating cost-of-living pressures to levels comparable with the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Survey Highlights Widespread Anxiety and Behavioural Shifts
Conducted this month by Melbourne-based market research agency Nature, the survey involved 1000 participants and found that fuel uncertainty is driving significant changes in behaviour. More than half, specifically 52 per cent, have reduced unnecessary driving, while 28 per cent are considering or have already begun storing additional petrol at home.
Furthermore, 40 per cent of respondents now show increased interest in purchasing electric vehicles, indicating a shift towards alternative transport options amid the crisis.
Low Confidence in National Preparedness
Chris Crook, managing partner at Nature, highlighted the depth of public concern. "A staggering 97 per cent are concerned about the reliability of Australia's fuel supplies, including one-in-three who say they are 'extremely concerned'," he stated. The survey also revealed that 80 per cent of participants do not expect an end to the instability soon, anticipating significant fuel shortages in the coming months.
Alarmingly, only 7 per cent believe the country is well prepared for fuel supply disruptions, underscoring a crisis of confidence in national readiness.
Emotional and Economic Impacts on Households
Dr Crook explained that cost-of-living pressures dominate the national mood, with 76 per cent of Australians reporting feeling concerned, rising to 80 per cent among those under 45. "We're seeing through the survey results and analysis that the issue is not just economic — it's emotional — and is impacting people's confidence, decision-making and future planning," he said.
This emotional toll is reflected in a previous Nature survey from February, which showed 43 per cent of Australians experiencing heightened stress and anxiety, levels similar to mid-2020 during the pandemic.
Broader Implications for Communication and Public Confidence
The findings point to a critical communications challenge for government, industry, and brands. "As households look for stability and reassurance, the way government, industry and the media communicate about these issues will play a crucial role in shaping public confidence in the weeks and months ahead," Dr Crook emphasised. Clear communication is vital to prevent uncertainty from escalating into panic.
Supporting these insights, online research portal Pureprofile's global data aligns with the survey results, confirming the widespread nature of fuel-related anxieties.
Local Context in Western Australia
In Western Australia, the fuel crisis has hit close to home, with several service stations running dry on March 24, a day traditionally known for cheaper fuel. Diesel prices soared above $3 per litre across the Perth metropolitan area on March 25, adding tangible urgency to the national concerns highlighted in the survey.
