The Hon. Lachlan Hunter, Shadow Minister for Agriculture and Food (WA), Media Release, 25 March 2026

Shadow Minister for Agriculture and Food Lachlan Hunter MP says Western Australia is facing a full- blown fuel crisis, and the people who feed this state are being left in the dark.

New data from more than 700 primary producers shows fuel supply is falling short of demand by millions of litres across regional Western Australia, with the most significant gaps in the grain growing regions.

“Time is critical and running out. The Cook Labor Government must intervene immediately and redirect supply to farmers as a matter of absolute urgency. The Premier has the power to act — and he must.”

“Farmers are being forced to delay spraying, stop deep ripping and scale back cropping programs altogether, just weeks out from seeding. Others are being told deliveries could take weeks or may not come at all,” Mr Hunter said.

“Livestock producers are now raising serious concerns about their ability to pump water and feed stock.

Mr Hunter said it’s no longer just a fuel supply issue, it is a direct threat to food production, regional jobs and the Western Australian economy.

“What is most concerning is that the Minister for Agriculture and Food, Hon Jackie Jarvis MLC, is completely missing in action. There has been no media statement, no social media communication, and no certainty provided to Western Australia’s second largest industry.

“The Opposition has requested a briefing, but so far it has been met with silence.”

“Farmers are not being told when fuel is coming, how much they will receive, or whether they will receive anything at all. That level of uncertainty is unacceptable at the most critical time of the year.”

Mr Hunter said the Government must urgently step up.

“There must be clear prioritisation of fuel to primary producers, freight and essential services, immediate transparency around supply levels and delivery timeframes, and proper coordination so farmers can plan with confidence.

“Time is running out. If this is not resolved quickly, the consequences will be felt well beyond the farm gate, with impacts on food supply, grocery prices and the broader economy.”