Hugh Schuitemaker, Murray Pioneer
Pressure on fuel supplies has seen a Mallee area service station frequently used by Riverlanders run dry, and is adding to anxiety being felt by farmers and growers according to the region’s State MP.
Karoonda’s independent service station was as of yesterday out of fuel, with shortages sparked by panic buying due to the war in the Middle East.
Independent Karoonda Fuel Stop operator Jake Hill said challenges in accessing fuel supplies – compared to metropolitan outlets – was his main issue.
“Fuel supply would pretty much be fine, as long as we could actually get fuel from our supplier,” Mr Hill said.
“The big fuel suppliers are supplying their own gas stations, and metropolitans first, and then not delivering to the Riverland area.
“That is our biggest problem. We have no problem with a farmer coming in and grabbing 2000-odd litres, because he needs to grow crops.
“The problem we do face, is actually getting that fuel.”
Prices for petrol in Riverland towns rose by more than 20c/L over the long weekend, with the RAA fuel prices platform showing Renmark’s On The Run charging $2.11/L for unleaded 91.
Mr Hill expected it could take weeks for the pressures on fuel supplies to alleviate.
“That will be the same through any independent,” he said.
“But (then) that will flow through to (bigger service stations).
“We’re definitely not as high a priority, but in the city they will wonder where their groceries are soon. They need to be able to drive their big cars around first, I guess.
“They’ve literally said ‘we need to supply their own stations’ and that’s what they are going to do. Even if the war cleared up today, you’ve got to get the fuel and get it distributed.”
Chaffey MP Tim Whetstone said the shortage would add economic pressure onto local primary producers.
“This is creating even more uncertainty for grape and almond growers in the middle of vintage and harvest who aren’t sure when they’ll be able to continue,” Mr Whetstone said.
“It’s also bad timing for our dryland farmers who will be wanting to start seeding soon. If things continue the way they’re going, they’ll see a significantly higher cost to plant next year’s crop.
“For all locals struggling with cost-of-living concerns, rising fuel prices are the last thing they need. It’s just more instability on top of fluctuating interest rates that could go up again at any moment.”
Mr Hill said the lack of supply had left some travelling motorists stranded in Karoonda.
“We have a caravan currently parked across from our fuel stop, and they can’t go anywhere,” he said.
“They are literally waiting for a mate to come out from Adelaide with some (Jerry) cans.
This article appeared in Murray Pioneer, 11 March 2026.
