Canberra tradie Seamus Dennehy is sounding the alarm over a looming financial crisis, predicting his fuel costs could skyrocket to $30,000 per year by 2026. The electrician, who runs a small business, says the rising price of petrol is already squeezing his margins and warns that without government intervention, many small businesses will be forced to shut down.
The Rising Cost of Fuel
Dennehy, who drives a ute for work, currently spends around $15,000 annually on fuel. But with petrol prices predicted to climb, he fears that figure could double in the next few years. 'It's already tough, but if this keeps up, I'll be paying $30,000 a year just to get to jobs,' he said. 'That's not sustainable.'
Impact on Small Business
The tradie says the fuel cost spike will have a ripple effect on the economy. 'We'll have to pass those costs onto customers, which means higher prices for everyone,' he explained. 'Or we'll have to cut back on staff and hours, which hurts the local community.' Dennehy is calling on the federal government to introduce fuel subsidies or tax relief for small businesses to help them weather the storm.
Government Response
So far, the government has not announced any specific measures to address rising fuel costs. A spokesperson for the Treasurer said the government is monitoring the situation but did not commit to any action. 'We understand the pressures on small businesses, but our focus remains on broader economic stability,' the spokesperson said.
Industry Concerns
The Master Electricians Association has echoed Dennehy's concerns, warning that the fuel crisis could lead to a shortage of tradies in regional areas. 'If it becomes too expensive to travel to jobs, we'll see fewer tradespeople willing to work in remote areas,' said CEO Malcolm Richards. 'That's a problem for everyone.'
Dennehy says he's not asking for a handout, just a fair go. 'We're the backbone of the economy, but we're being squeezed from all sides. Something has to give.'
