Australian regional service stations are running dry as panic buying spikes demand amid Middle East conflict fears, but the government insists there is no fuel shortage. Energy Minister Chris Bowen urged calm in parliament, warning that stockpiling creates a 'vicious cycle' that threatens availability.
Demand surged up to 238% in the Adelaide Hills and Barossa, and 100% in Victoria's Mildura. Bowen stated that supply ships continue to arrive, and difficulties are not due to a lack of fuel entering the country. However, regional distributors like Bartranz Petroleum report receiving only 10% of usual allocations from Brisbane.
NRMA spokesperson Peter Khoury blamed panic buying for pressuring supply chains and called on oil companies to ensure terminals are working. An emergency government taskforce, including farming and transport bodies, met Tuesday and confirmed national fuel supply remains stable despite regional pressures.
Peter Jones of the Motor Trades Association said independent stations without contracts with major oil companies are last in line for resupply. He urged motorists to buy normally and respect staff, as some customers have become abusive over high prices or empty pumps.
