The Hunter is beginning to feel the pressure of Australia’s fuel crisis, with farmers warning rising costs and shortages could soon flow through to everyday life.
Emergency talks between state and federal leaders are expected next week, as concerns grow over dwindling supplies, with some petrol stations already running dry.
In Scone, beef and sheep farmer Rolanda Clout-Collins said while fuel remains accessible for now, the rapid price increase was already taking a toll.
“We haven’t had shortages yet,” she said.
“But, the prices have increased rapidly, not just at the bowser, but also for bulk fuel deliveries.”
Her experience reflects a broader warning from supply chain experts, who say higher fuel costs are no longer a question of if, but when they will impact consumers.
Dr Elizabeth Jackson, a logistics expert, said diesel played a critical role in every stage of food production.
“Every kilojoule of food that comes from an Australian farm is moved by a diesel-powered vehicle,” she stated.
“The fresher the produce, the quicker we’re going to see the prices increase.”
Back on the farm, Ms Clout-Collins said fuel was essential to even the most basic operations, including keeping livestock alive.
“Our water pumps run off petrol generators,” she explained.
“If we run out of fuel, there’s no water and that’s the lifeblood of our animals.”
While some smaller service stations in regional areas have already run out of certain fuel types, Ms Clout-Collins said suppliers were urging patience among the uncertainty.
“They’ve told us not to panic, but to be patient,” she added.
“The reality is, they don’t know what’s coming either.”
The uncertainty is already influencing decision-making on farms, particularly as drought conditions add further pressure.
“We’re in a peak time for decision-making – whether to breed livestock or plant crops – and it’s incredibly difficult with so many unknowns,” Ms Clout-Collins said.
The family recently sold cattle earlier than planned amid fears the market could soon be flooded, while also reconsidering breeding plans to reduce costs.
“We’re looking at reducing livestock and limiting what we buy in, because everything depends on how much fuel we can afford,” she said.
Transport costs are also becoming unpredictable, with Ms Clout-Collins revealing a recent grain order won’t be delivered until May and, even then, freight costs remain unclear.
“They can’t give us a quote at the moment because fuel prices are so uncertain,” she said.
“That cost will get passed down the line… and it impacts our bottom line.”
Despite this, farmers have little control over the prices they receive.
“We’re price takers, not price makers,” Ms Clout-Collins told the Newcastle Weekly.
“If processors’ costs go up, they’ll likely offer us less.”
In cities like Newcastle, residents are being encouraged to reduce fuel use where possible.
Measures such as working from home and increasing alternative blends are being considered at a national level.
But for regional communities, Ms Clout-Collins said cutting back isn’t so simple.
“We don’t have the same access to public transport as people in Newcastle,” she explained
“We rely on our cars for day-to-day life.”
As the crisis unfolds, she fears the long-term impacts could linger well beyond the immediate price spike.
“It’s escalated so quickly, and we don’t know how far it will go or how long it will take to recover,” Ms Clout-Collins said.
- With AAP
For more news stories:
- Rising Tide vandalises coal ship in Newcastle
- $650k worth of cannabis seized following raid in Singleton
- Interest sought for Newcastle Logistics Precinct project
Get all the latest Newcastle news, sport, real estate, entertainment, lifestyle and more delivered straight to your inbox with the Newcastle Weekly Daily Newsletter. Sign up here.
