National diesel shortage hits hundreds of service stations

Australia is grappling with a fuel pinch this Easter, as Energy Minister Chris Bowen confirmed that 274 service stations nationwide are currently without diesel.

New South Wales remains the epicentre of the shortage, accounting for 142 of those sites.

Despite the disruption, Bowen noted a slight improvement from previous days, reporting that diesel-depleted stations now represent 3.4% of the national network.

The federal government has pivoted its strategy to prioritise the agricultural sector, ensuring diesel reached primary producers during the critical sowing and seeding season.

"We’ve been focusing with the industry on getting fuel to farmers," Bowen said, emphasising the necessity of getting seeds into the ground.

Beyond New South Wales, the impact varies: Victoria reports 51 stations without diesel, followed by Queensland with 38 and Western Australia with 19.

Significant shortages in unleaded petrol are also being monitored, with 148 stations dry across the country.

While supply chain workers laboured through the long weekend to maintain deliveries, international pressures loom large.

The minister cited the ongoing closure of the Strait of Hormuz as a primary risk factor, though he reassured the public that South-east Asian suppliers remain reliable.

With extra orders secured and no shipments cancelled, the government anticipates supply security through May.

"We've got more work to do to get that down to zero," Bowen added, urging continued industry cooperation to navigate this contested period and minimise the economic fallout on Australian consumers.