Fuel fears put brakes on travel as supply hopes rise
Hundreds of service stations across Australia are running out of gas heading into the Easter long weekend, but the drop in fuel prices will give anxious travellers some hope.
Malcolm Roberts, president of the Australian Petroleum Institute, said fuel supplies and imports had remained stable as demand for gasoline and diesel began to ease at the start of the Iran war.
Of the more than 8,000 service stations nationwide, 653, or eight percent, are missing one or more fuel grades.
“This is some improvement from where it has been, but there are undoubtedly local short-term issues,” Mr Roberts told AAP.
“The distribution system has been working overtime for a month.
“There are actually no more tankers or drivers than we had four weeks ago.”
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced on Thursday that motorists will get a further 5.7 cents per liter off their fuel until June 30 as part of a deal between the federal and state governments to waive some GST revenue.
The move follows a cut in fuel duty, reducing wholesale gasoline and diesel costs by about 26 cents per liter.
Opposition Leader Angus Taylor called for federal budget intervention in the fuel crisis in a video speech on Thursday night and once again called on the government to be more transparent about the availability of petrol and diesel supplies.
“In a crisis, Australians deserve a government that is transparent and gives you the facts every day,” he said.
“The prime minister and treasurer should use the upcoming budget not just to respond to this crisis, but to prepare our country for the future.”
While price drops may provide some relief, the tourism sector remains under pressure, with motorists concerned about the cost and availability of fuel in some destinations.
Peter Clay, chief executive of research and insights at the Caravan Industry Association, told AAP that those hit hardest by the drop in bookings were caravan parks more than a few hours away from the city.
“(Travelers ask) is there fuel? Is there diesel where I’m going?” he said.
He said the cancellation rate for Easter was normally around 30 per cent and this had increased this year due to the fuel crisis.
Accommodation Australia boss James Goodwin said hotels were also hit as Australians and foreigners cut back on travel, and east coast capitals faced a drop in bookings of up to 10 percent compared to the same period in 2025.
“If you can afford it, if you can travel, then don’t delay travelling,” he told AAP.
“Make sure you look around, go somewhere you know you can get fuel, or fill up before you leave.”
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