Over 500 service stations nationally have run out of petrol or diesel as Aussies panic buy

More than 500 service stations across Australia are now without one or more types of fuel, according to the federal government, despite fuel continuing to flow into the country.

In a state-by-state update before federal parliament on Tuesday, March 24, Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen said that New South Wales had the highest number of affected sites, with at least 289 service stations without either diesel or petrol, including 164 out of diesel specifically.

In Victoria, 162 service stations had run out of one or more fuel types, with Victorian Energy Minister Lily D’Ambrosio telling ABC Radio Melbourne the shortages were driven by panic buying rather than a genuine lack of supply.

In Queensland, 55 locations were without diesel, while 35 had no regular unleaded petrol.

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South Australia has 46 sites without one or more grades of fuel, Western Australia has six locations without one or more types of fuel, and Tasmania has six service stations without unleaded petrol and one without diesel.

According to the latest update, the Australian Capital Territory had no reported shortages as of yesterday afternoon.

The total of more than 500 sites comes amid speculation about fuel rationing provisions under guidelines created in 2019 under the Liquid Fuel Emergency Act (1984). The government, however, has said it’s not considering mooted fuel caps which would limit the amount motorists could spend at the bowser on each visit.

While the number of affected sites is rising, the figure represents only around eight per cent of all service stations nationwide.

Mr Bowen said fuel supply into Australia remains sufficient despite localised shortages, echoing the message from Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.

Last week, the Prime Minister urged motorists to avoid panic buying fuel, telling media in Burnie, Tasmania: “My message to Australians as well is to not take more fuel than you need. That is how you can help.”

In ensuring supply, Mr Bowen also outlined changes to diesel fuel regulations, which he said would allow more volume into Australia as industries such as agriculture and freight face increasing pressure from higher prices.

The federal government has also ruled out temporarily cutting fuel excise to ease the impact of record-high prices on motorists.

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