Fuel prices surged sharply last week amid supply strain linked to conflict in the Middle East, prompting fears of long‑term shortages.
Panic buying followed in some metropolitan areas, and rationing has begun at smaller petrol stations in district towns and villages.
It remains unclear whether this is due to genuine supply pressure or as an effort to prevent panic buying.
Victorian Senator Bridget McKenzie has caused a stir last week when she told a national press conference that Deniliquin and Jerilderie were “out of fuel”.
The claim was rejected by Jerilderie BP, and Ms McKenzie’s office later clarified she was referring to wholesale diesel only.
Purtill Group, which operates several regional Ampol sites, including at Jerilderie, has also dismissed suggestions of low or no retail supply.
The pressure on markets has seen fuel prices soar across the country, with some reports that it may force Easter holidaymakers to rethink their travel plans.
Berrigan Shire Mayor Julia Cornwell McLean said the timing of the situation is particularly troublesome.
“Easter is one of our biggest weekends in terms of visitor numbers, so the timing of this fuel situation is deeply regrettable,” she said.
“Compounded with low river levels, we have already seen the Tocumwal visitor numbers down over Victoria’s Labour Day weekend.”
For Murrumbidgee Council Mayor Ruth McRae OAM, the focus is very much on the agricultural sector.
“At this stage, we are just trying to ensure our farming community has enough fuel,” Cr McRae said.
“To date we are still able to get fuel in Jerilderie, but the fuel availability concerns may have an impact on the numbers of campers and visitors come Easter holidays.”
At the time of going to print yesterday, using the Petrol Spy app, regular unleaded petrol (u91) was selling for between 244.9c/L and 246.9c/L in Jerilderie, and diesel was selling for between 279.9c/L and 286.9c/L.
And across Finley and Berrigan, u91 was selling for between 230.9c/L and 255.9c/L, with diesel selling for between 273.9c/L and 297.9c/L.
