Australia is facing a worsening fuel shortage due to the conflict in the Middle East, with regional businesses starting to ration fuel and some towns, farmers, and transport companies reporting they have been cut off completely. Suppliers warn that farmers and fishing operations are days from grinding to a halt, and Easter food supplies are at risk.
Dozens of docked fishing trawlers and other vessels have been stranded as a result of the shortages, which some distributors describe as the worst they have seen. Across the country, retailers have started rationing fuel or limiting sales to emergencies, while economists warn petrol prices nationwide could rise by 40 cents a litre in weeks.
Federal Energy Minister Chris Bowen has met with representatives from the diesel and petrol industry to discuss the issue. He stated that every single contract is being honoured, but a big spike in extra orders on the spot market has led to trouble keeping up with demand.
Danny Kreutzer, founder of Queensland-based fuel transport company Westlink Petroleum, said his requests for fuel from Brisbane-based terminals were virtually cut off after the war in Iran. He reported receiving only 10 per cent of his usual supply, forcing him to park 37 of his 38 trucks.
Gretta Barton, co-founder of independent Bartranz Petroleum, described the wholesale fuel price spikes as the worst she has seen in 30 years, with one supplier hiking prices by 40 cents overnight. She warned that many of her clients, including farmers and transport companies, could face financial ruin if shortages persist.
Debbie Gostelow, who owns a trucking and transport company in Far North Queensland, said the shortages have raised significant concerns for her drivers, with some service stations refusing to fill trucks to the brim.
