More than 50 industry and Government leaders convened this morning at the NSW Government's Fuel Security Roundtable to share expertise and discuss fuel security challenges arising from the conflict in the Middle East.
The Premier, along with senior Cabinet Ministers, attended the Roundtable chaired by the NSW Minister for Energy Penny Sharpe MLC.
Leaders from transport and logistics, fuel, agriculture, local government, mining, unions and consumer protection groups joined the NSW Government in committing to work together to support the NSW community through this complex period.
While the Federal Government is responsible for Australia's fuel supply and has advised that national fuel stocks remain secure, the Roundtable agreed to prioritise immediate actions by the NSW Government and industry to address local distribution issues and minimise price impacts for consumers.
A key outcome of the meeting was a commitment from industry to share information with the NSW Government to provide a coordinated view of the state's fuel supply to be shared with the Commonwealth.
The Roundtable agreed to a number of immediate measures, including:
- Fuel retailers using the FuelCheck app to notify when fuel is unavailable, helping the community identify nearby service stations where they can and can't refuel.
- The fuel industry prioritising supply to areas of NSW with limited access to fuel, with the Government signalling it would consider intervention if necessary.
- Bulk customers, government agencies and other stakeholders coordinating information requests through the NSW Government's Energy and Utilities crisis team (EUSFA), allowing industry to focus on delivering fuel where it is most needed.
The Roundtable heard from NSW Farmer's Federation, Country Mayors Association and other representatives from Regional NSW peak organisations about the particular challenges facing the bush.
A variety of views were heard including from ports, airports and major fuel suppliers that supply remains strong. Specific concerns were raised by regional stakeholders around the supply of diesel to bulk fuel users and some petrol stations.
It was agreed to hold further conversations on regional issues in the coming fortnight to focus in detail on those issues, which include fuel shortages, price rises and potential impacts on fertilizer for the upcoming winter sowing season, when fuel and fertilizer demand is highest.
For people looking to fill up their car, FuelCheck remains the best place to go, which provides real time information about price and availability. If prices at petrol stations differ from what is advertised on the app, consumers should report this. Fair Trading is increasing its compliance.
Concerns around panic buying leading to unsafe storage of excess fuels were also raised. Safe work NSW has strict guidance on managing flammable and combustible substances, including that stocks must be kept in the lowest practical quantity in the workplace.
The NSW Government will continue working closely with the Commonwealth Government to ease pressures across the state, with insights shared by industry leaders today helping guide further medium- and long-term responses.
- The Fuel Security Roundtable builds on other measures the NSW Government has taken including:
- Engaging with the Australian Government and meeting the National Oil Security Emergency Committee twice a week, through the NSW Government's Energy and Utilities Services coordination team.
- Standing up a fuel security crisis team led by Premier's Department, including emergency services, education, health, transport and the energy department to share information, monitor supply and ensure emergency services and government essential services continue to function.
- Running an incident room to track and monitor data.
- Monitoring availability of fuel at petrol stations by verifying reports of no availability directly with petrol stations and mapping the location of any reports of low or no fuel availability.
- Mapping the current fuel storage facilities across NSW.
- Bringing forward a planned NSW Fair Trading compliance blitz on FuelCheck to now commence in the coming week. The program will more than double the number of sites visited using data driven site targeting.
Premier of New South Wales Chris Minns said:
"While global fuel supply challenges are beyond our control, there are practical things we can do here in New South Wales to ensure fuel is being distributed where it's needed most, particularly in regional communities.
"This roundtable was about getting the right people in the room, sharing information and expertise and preparing for every contingency to support communities across New South Wales.
"I appreciate this is a stressful time for everyone, but communities need to look out for each other. It's important that people don't buy more fuel at the bowser than they need."
Minister for Energy Penny Sharpe said:
"While fuel continues to arrive to Australia and we have petrol availability, we acknowledge some regional businesses and petrol stations are running short.
"Increased demand and higher prices are challenging distribution supply chains but there is no need to buy more fuel than you usually would.
"While participants today expressed a commitment to work together to resolve these issues, the NSW Government was clear we will intervene if necessary."
Minister for Better Regulation and Fair Trading, Anoulack Chanthivong, said:
"At times of global uncertainty, transparency and fairness matter more than ever and we expect fuel retailers to meet their legal obligations and provide accurate, up-to-date pricing information.
"FuelCheck empowers motorists to make informed choices, and retailers who fail to keep prices current or attempt to misled consumers will be held accountable, with enforcement action taken where necessary.
"My message is simple: play fair, be transparent and do the right thing."
Minister for Regional New South Wales Tara Moriarty said:
"Regional communities are often the first to feel the impacts when fuel supply is disrupted, which is why it was critical that the voices of farmers, regional mayors and industry were heard at today's Roundtable.
"We have committed to holding further conversations with regional stakeholders in the coming weeks to focus on the specific challenges facing the bush, including distribution issues, rising prices and potential impacts on fertiliser supply ahead of the winter sowing season.
"We will continue working with regional leaders and industry to make sure practical solutions are in place so communities across regional NSW are supported through this complex period."
