The Nationals have launched www.nofuelhere.com.au, a community reporting platform designed to map fuel shortages across regional Australia and give Australians a direct line to their local Members of Parliament.
Nationals Leader, Senator Matt Canavan, said the platform was a direct response to the government's failure to acknowledge the depth of the crisis in regional areas.
"The Albanese Government keeps telling regional Australians there's no problem, that fuel is flowing and reserves are holding," Senator Canavan said.
"But that's not what we're hearing in our communities. People are lining up for $50 worth of petrol. Farmers can't secure diesel deliveries. Some towns are running on fumes.
"We launched www.nofuelhere.com.au because we believe regional Australians deserve to be heard. Every report submitted tells us where the crisis is real, where it's urgent, and where the government needs to act."
Australia's exposure as one of the world's most fuel-import-dependent nations has been laid bare. Australia imports approximately 90 per cent of its refined fuel, and holds up to 38 days of reserves across fuel types.
More than 107 service stations in NSW alone have reported diesel shortages, with similar patterns across Australia. Regional communities that lack access to public transport and are often long distances from the next service station have been disproportionately impacted.
Shadow Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Senator Bridget McKenzie, said regional Australians have no alternative to private fuel-powered transport.
"The government has released up to 762 million litres from domestic reserves – only equivalent to approximately one week of national supply," Senator McKenzie said.
"There is no public transport option. Some residents are commuting 100 kilometres per day to work – fuel is not a luxury, it's a necessity.
"Farmers face critical diesel shortages affecting planting, harvesting, and freight. The NFF have predicted that food prices could rise by up to 50% if diesel shortages persist and halt freight.
"This website will help Members and Senators continue to put pressure on Labor to help the regions."
The Nationals are calling on the government to:
• Prioritise fuel supply to regional and agricultural communities
• Accelerate the drawdown of strategic reserves to rural areas, not just capital cities
• Develop a national fuel security plan with mandatory reserve targets that are actually met
• Ensure independent regional fuel distributors are not locked out of emergency supply arrangements
Australians can report fuel shortages at: www.nofuelhere.com.au
