Workers across Sydney have detailed how they are being pushed to the absolute brink by the ongoing Iranian fuel crisis, with many admitting they can scarcely afford to feed their families due to the skyrocketing price of diesel. The crisis, which followed recent US-Israeli bombing in Iran, has sent shockwaves through the Australian economy, particularly impacting small businesses and everyday workers.
Stories of Struggle from Sydney's Streets
This week, accounts emerged from Sydney's western and inner-western suburbs, where Australians shared candid stories of how rising costs are severely biting into their businesses and livelihoods. Several individuals explicitly called on the Federal government to slash the fuel excise, which adds more than 52 cents per litre to petrol prices and does not fluctuate with wholesale costs.
Butcher Feels the Squeeze
Anthony Nomicos, a butcher from Tanta Meats in Leichhardt, Sydney's inner west, reported that their suppliers have imposed a $20 delivery surcharge on all products. He argued the government could ease this financial pressure by lowering fuel levies.
'The government needs the economy; without our money, the government's got no money, so they have to help us when we're in times of crisis like this,' he stated. 'We're not a team here: it's them and us, and that's a problem.'
Mr Nomicos noted the butchery has experienced a slight downturn in supplies but is striving to keep prices as low as possible for customers. 'We're trying to keep the price down because people need to eat, but it makes it tough on us,' he explained. 'We're choosing not to [raise prices] - but if we get pushed to the wall, it's going to be hard to keep the doors open if we're not making money on anything. Everyone is in the same boat... it's going to be hard for the average person to survive.'
Fruit and Vegetable Store Hit Hard
A similar story was heard from Ammar Khalid, a worker at Sentas' Fruit and Vegetable store in nearby Dulwich Hill. Mr Khalid said rising fuel prices have affected every facet of the business.
'All of the veggies, all of the fruits, they're rising and still on the rise,' he said. 'They charge you extra now for transport. Overnight, there was a company that jumped from a 9 per cent travel fee to about 32 per cent. I've got to put prices up otherwise I can't make a living. To go to the markets and pick up the fruit and veg costs about an extra $100 to $120 in diesel, it's crazy.'
While Mr Khalid doesn't believe fruit or vegetables will vanish from the Australian market, he anticipates supplies will be rationed. 'Instead of things coming every day into the markets, they've cut down so they don't have to drive as much. Sometimes you don't find the things you need,' he added.
Cafe and Taxi Driver Struggles
Katy, head barista at Mina's Bakery in Parramatta, reported the cafe has seen a downturn in profits as customers opt to work from home to save on fuel, a suggestion previously echoed by Energy Minister Chris Bowen.
'We work around corporate areas and we've noticed people are deciding to work from home, and because of that, we are not getting the same foot traffic we had before,' Katy said. 'We are trying to maintain rising costs but due to less traffic, there's been a cut in profits. The supplies do not get reduced; what does get reduced is the profits and the customer flow, so that really does have an impact on the business.'
Taxi driver Robin, who mainly works in Parramatta, described sitting in his cab for nearly an hour with few customers. He has been forced to limit himself to $100 worth of diesel daily.
'I just filled the tank today and it was $3.10, I drove by three fuel pumps but there was no fuel left,' Robin said. 'Before this, it would cost me $130 to fill it. Now it's more than $280.' Due to Point-to-Point restrictions under NSW law, he cannot pass these costs to customers, making it 'really hard to feed my family.'
Government Response
On Wednesday, Treasurer Jim Chalmers ruled out any changes to Australia's fuel excise, stating that previous Treasury modelling of fuel disruption scenarios now appears conservative. 'We’ve been focused on a fair go at the petrol bowser, getting more supply of fuel, making sure it gets to regional areas, engaging with our international counterparts, working with industry to make sure that where there are gaps in our supply chains that we can address them,' he said. 'That particular change is not something that we’ve been considering or costing up.'
