Fuel Crisis Grips Australia: Drivers Scour Cities for Scarce and Sky-High Petrol
A widespread fuel shortage is forcing Australian drivers to embark on extensive searches for the cheapest petrol, with some travelling up to 20 minutes out of their way to fill up. The crisis, now entering its third week, has left approximately 600 fuel stations across the nation without at least one type of fuel, creating significant strain on everyday Australians.
One Sydney Airport worker, who resides an hour from his workplace, described the arduous process of locating affordable fuel. “This spot is the cheapest in all of Sydney and it’s still costing me $50 more,” he told reporters, visibly distressed. “I paid $131 and I usually pay about $70 to $80… I’m speechless.” He detailed a 20-minute detour to an EG Ampol in Burwood, which, according to the FuelRadar app, offered competitive prices on Thursday morning: 239.9 cents per litre for E10, 241.9 cents per litre for U91, and a staggering 313.9 cents per litre for diesel.
The financial impact is palpable. “It’s a pain in my pocket,” the worker lamented. “I’m going to have to minimise my travel, go on buses. I’m a shift worker so I can’t work from home.” He expressed grim resignation, noting, “Apparently it’s just going to keep on going up.”
The Impact on Small Businesses
The escalating fuel costs are hitting businesses particularly hard. A driving school instructor, who preferred not to be named, revealed his operational expenses have effectively doubled. He expressed his frustration at the escalating situation.
“It’s killing us, we’re almost paying double,” he stated. “The tank lasts two days maximum. We have to keep up until the petrol [crisis] is finished, or we stay at home, Mr Albanese? And they put money into our accounts, like they did in Covid.” Despite the financial burden, he feels compelled to continue operating to fulfil existing bookings.
The severity of the shortage was evident on Thursday, with several service stations along Sydney’s busy Parramatta Road completely devoid of fuel. A 7-Eleven outlet reported running out of all fuel types by 10 am due to a surge in early-morning commuters attempting to refuel before prices inevitably climbed further. The forecourt was eerily quiet, with only a single tradesperson able to fill up with auto-gas, the sole option available.
Delivery Drivers Forced to Adapt
Christian, a delivery driver operating in Sydney’s western suburbs, has been forced to make a significant change to his livelihood. The prohibitive cost of fuel in his car has led him to switch to a motorbike. However, this adaptation comes with its own set of challenges.
“It’s impossible to pay for the fuel in the car so I’m trying to get by on the motorbike, but there’s not as many jobs,” he explained. “And obviously, if there’s big and bulky items, I can’t take them. It’s outrageous. No one knows what’s going on. It makes Covid look like a small problem.” As a self-employed individual, Christian feels the immense pressure on his clients. “Drivers can’t bear the brunt of this crisis, but everyone is in it for themselves in this game,” he added, highlighting the prevailing sentiment of individual struggle.
Fuel Limits and Government Response
The fuel shortages are not confined to regional areas; major cities are now experiencing fuel limits at some petrol stations. Customers at a Shell-branded Viva Energy station on Sydney’s Northern Beaches were restricted to a maximum of 50 litres per vehicle, with the use of jerry cans and external tanks being prohibited.
Energy Minister Chris Bowen has attributed the supply issues to a sudden surge in demand, largely driven by panic buying. “We have as much fuel in Australia today as we had on the day Iran was attacked,” he stated. “We’ve seen very big spikes in demand. Some of that has been panic buying. Some people are trying to get ahead of expected price rises. Some farmers are stocking up, which is understandable.”
He further explained, “But the fact is, if demand suddenly jumps dramatically, whether it’s for petrol, diesel or even toilet paper, supply chains come under pressure.”
Global Factors Contributing to the Crisis
The current fuel price surge and shortages are influenced by global events impacting oil supply. The average price of 91 unleaded fuel has now reached 249.9 cents per litre, with diesel at 305.7 cents per litre.
This situation is exacerbated by geopolitical tensions, including the recent blocking of the Strait of Hormuz by Iran. This vital waterway accounts for approximately 20 per cent of the world’s oil transit. Australia’s reliance on imported refined fuel, with around 90 per cent sourced from overseas, primarily Asia, means that disruptions in global crude oil markets, particularly those originating from the Middle East, directly affect domestic supply and pricing.
The ongoing crisis underscores the vulnerability of Australia’s fuel supply chain to both domestic demand fluctuations and international geopolitical events. Drivers across the nation continue to face the challenging reality of higher prices and limited availability at the bowser.
