The escalating fuel crisis in Australia, driven by the Middle East conflict, has forced many families to cancel Easter road trips, raising concerns about regional tourism and travel disruption. Retirees Jan and Earl Robinson from Charters Towers, Queensland, have postponed their caravanning plans indefinitely after fuel costs surged 65% in weeks, fearing shortages and wanting to conserve diesel for essential services.
Petrol prices have hit 250 cents per litre and diesel 300 cents, up from 180 cents in early March, following US and Israeli airstrikes on Iran. Independent fuel distributors, supplying much of regional Australia, report supply difficulties, leading to hundreds of service stations running out of at least one fuel type. The Australian Tourism Industry Council (ATIC) has urged the federal government to prioritise fuel distribution to regional routes over Easter.
Despite assurances from ATIC that fuel levels will be adequate, many are altering plans. Sydney mother Belinda Morgan cancelled her family's Easter trip to Nelson Bay, citing concerns about long-term availability and feeling that travel is 'quite wasteful' amid the crisis. Others, like Melbourne father Lloyd Tarrant, are proceeding but with careful fuel planning, such as filling up in Canberra before heading to the coast.
Accommodation Australia reports a 'softening of demand' but not mass cancellations. Regional tourism, which expects 1.3 million additional overnight visitors in April, with 86% driving, faces a potential hit. Tourism agencies are promoting fuel-saving options like public transport and walkable activities to mitigate the impact.
