Independent fuel retailers in regional Australia are facing supply shortages, with farmers stockpiling diesel amid rising prices and limited availability. Paul McCallum, who runs Inland Petroleum in western New South Wales, said farmers brought forward orders after fuel prices surged following US and Israeli strikes on Iran. He described the demand as 'boisterous but not over the top,' totalling 1.5 million litres.
McCallum noted that wholesale refined product prices have risen by 70 cents a litre, and his company, which is not affiliated with major importers, struggles to obtain fuel from companies like Mobil, BP, Ampol, and Shell. These majors are allocating stock to select retail sites, leaving independents and some smaller branded stations without supply. 'They've told us we can't pick up today because they haven't got any allocation,' he said.
In Victoria's north-west, petrol station owner Nathan Falvo experienced complete dry spells at his Robinvale outlet. He typically sells 12,000 to 18,000 litres of fuel weekly but recently went without unleaded for 10 hours after a delivery. 'We weren't receiving our normal orders,' he said.
The Australian Institute of Petroleum, representing the four major suppliers, acknowledged that its members lack sufficient inventory to meet spot market demand and have prioritised regular customers. The federal government insists there are no fuel shortages and has urged against panic-buying, but regional MP Roy Butler warned that supply interruptions could have long-term financial impacts on remote areas.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has called a national cabinet meeting on fuel supply for Thursday, following multiple state and federal discussions.
