The Minns Labor Government is stepping up coordination across the fuel supply chain as localised petrol and diesel shortages impact parts of NSW.
The latest numbers reported to FuelCheck as of today show that out of around 2,400 stations statewide:
- 32 service stations are without all fuel types, all of which are regional stations.
- 313 service stations are without one fuel type they normally have, approximately half are regional and half are metro.
- Of these, 187 service stations are without any diesel products. Of these, 78 are regional and 109 are metropolitan.
While fuel continues to arrive in Australia and overall supply remains stable at the moment, these figures point to distribution pressures across the network, with availability shifting day-to-day as fuel is replenished.
In response, the NSW Government is announcing two further measures to strengthen coordination and ensure fuel is supplied to where it's needed most.
The Minister for Energy, Penny Sharpe will compel major fuel companies to provide information on their plans for supplying additional fuel, particularly to regional communities.
These companies account for more than 85 per cent of liquid fuels entering Australia, and the NSW Government will use its legislative powers to ensure there is full transparency over how fuel is being allocated across the state.
The NSW Government will also establish a Liquid Fuel Emergency Operations Centre in Parramatta to be operational within 24 hours.
The centre will be led by the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (being the Functional Area under established emergency management arrangements) and will:
- Track fuel availability and shortages.
- Identify pressure points and forecast future supply needs including for the agriculture, freight, construction and mining sectors.
- Support coordination with industry to redirect fuel where it is needed most.
Staff from key government agencies will work together at the Liquid Fuel Emergency Operations Centre, including Transport for NSW, NSW Fair Trading, NSW Police, Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, Infrastructure NSW, Premier's Department and the Cabinet Office.
The NSW Government is particularly focused on ensuring regional communities, industries and independent service stations have access to supply.
Premier of New South Wales Chris Minns said:
"What we're seeing right now is not a shortage of fuel coming into the country - it's a challenge in how that fuel is being distributed across the state.
"Fuel is still moving through the system, but it's uneven. Some stations are running short while others are being restocked.
"We're taking practical steps today to get a clearer picture of what's happening on the ground and make sure fuel is getting to where it's needed most.
"This is about getting ahead of the problem, particularly if global conditions worsen, and making sure NSW is prepared for any scenario."
Minister for Energy, Penny Sharpe said:
"We know fuel supplies are continuing to arrive in Australia, but we're seeing pressure points as that fuel is distributed.
"That's why we're requiring fuel companies to provide transparent data on supply, stock levels and distribution, particularly to regional communities.
"The Liquid Fuel Emergency Operations Centre will give us visibility across the state so we can respond quickly and keep essential industries moving.
"We are acting where intervention is required but we are planning for every scenario with people and community front of mind."
