Australian authorities have advised motorists to fill up at city petrol stations before embarking on long road trips this Easter. Rural areas continue to face fuel shortages, making city refuelling a practical option.
Energy Minister Chris Bowen said that on 3 April, hundreds of service stations nationwide had run out of diesel. Over a hundred stations also lacked unleaded petrol.
Panic buying, triggered by the outbreak of conflict in the Middle East, has pushed petrol prices higher in Australia. The country relies heavily on imported fuel.
For Australians planning a road trip this weekend, it makes sense to refuel in the city if possible, Mr Bowen told reporters in Sydney. Shortages are mostly affecting rural and regional areas.
Historic price spikes and regional shortages
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese noted in a national address on 1 April that petrol prices had reached historic highs. He encouraged motorists to enjoy their Easter travels but warned that the months ahead could be difficult.
On the first day of the Easter holiday, 182 service stations in New South Wales had no diesel, while 48 had run out of petrol completely. Authorities prioritised diesel for farmers to ensure crops could be planted and Australia’s food supply maintained.
Victoria also reported shortages. Seventy-six stations lacked diesel, and 37 were out of unleaded petrol. Similar issues are emerging across the country.
The government recently cut fuel taxes to ease prices, but high demand continues to strain supplies.
Australia imports most of its fuel from Singapore, Malaysia, and South Korea. Mr Bowen said companies are now exploring alternatives from the United States and Mexico.
He added that 50 shipments of fuel are on the way to secure supplies for April and May. However, a shortage may still occur in June.
