QLD Fuel Shortages: Stations Run Dry as Taskforce Meets & Prices Soar
Queensland petrol stations are experiencing widespread shortages, with 32 stations reporting they are out of regular unleaded fuel and 47 unable to supply diesel, as Australia’s fuel supply taskforce convened its first meeting today.
The shortages reach amid ongoing concerns about global fuel supply, exacerbated by instability in key regions. Federal minister Amanda Rishworth acknowledged the challenges, stating the government is “doing all it could to guarantee fuel supply,” particularly given the continued closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway for global oil transport. “We still have fuel coming to this country. We’re working with states and territories to build sure that the distribution gets the fuel to where it needs to travel,” Rishworth told Nine’s Today show. She also highlighted the uncertainty surrounding the duration of current geopolitical tensions, adding, “We don’t know how long this war is going to go on for. We don’t know what assets might be attacked in any one day.”
In response to the escalating situation, the federal government has established a national fuel supply taskforce, led by Anthea Harris, former chief executive of the nation’s energy regulator. State and territory leaders appointed Harris to coordinate efforts between jurisdictions and address disruptions to fuel supply chains. The taskforce’s inaugural meeting took place this afternoon.
The rising cost of fuel – with diesel prices exceeding $3 a litre in some areas – has prompted the government to expedite support measures. Labor has announced plans to amend the Fair Work Act to facilitate emergency applications from truck drivers and transport businesses seeking to renegotiate contracts impacted by fuel price spikes. These changes aim to accelerate contract adjustments and eliminate the existing six-month waiting period for orders, preventing companies from being burdened by increased costs.
The RACQ has stated that the fuel supply taskforce will “bring confidence to motorists,” signaling a hope that coordinated action will alleviate supply concerns. However, the long-term impact of the current disruptions and the effectiveness of the taskforce remain to be seen.