A survey conducted last week by market research agency Nature shows that 97 per cent of Australians are concerned about fuel supplies amidst current global tensions. In response to concerns about fuel shortages, the Victorian Farmers Federation is urging drivers and the government to make changes to commuting.

Meanwhile, the State Government has introduced penalties for petrol price-gouging and the Opposition is saying the government is not doing enough, with experts saying that the situation in the Middle East will have further-reaching repercussions. Both the state and federal governments maintain that fuel is not yet in short supply, discouraging panic-buying.

Drivers concerned

Research conducted over the weekend of 14–15 March by market research and strategic advisory firm Nature found that only 7 per cent of the 1,000 people surveyed believe Australia is well prepared for fuel supply disruptions, with 40 per cent now showing more interest in purchasing an EV. Despite government urging people not to panic-buy petrol, more than half (52 per cent) of the survey participants said they’ve reduced unnecessary driving and 28 per cent are considering – or have already begun – storing additional petrol at home.

Calls to change behaviour

The Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) is urging commuters to consider swapping their car for public transport and the government to make public transport free. It says the potential fuel savings would help ensure farmers can keep planting, harvesting and producing food as the “fuel crisis” lingers. VFF President Brett Hosking said fuel shortages affect rural communities very differently to metropolitan households, where farming operations rely solely on critical fuel to grow their products.

“For most Victorians, a fuel shortage means cancelled plans, longer queues and a tighter weekly budget,” he said. “For farmers, timing is everything. Farming runs on narrow weather windows, and if the tank is empty at the wrong moment you can’t just wait for prices to settle, you lose the opportunity, and sometimes the entire crop.”

The VFF says small changes in commuting behaviour could make a meaningful difference, calling for free public transport and increased services.

State Government response

The State Government announced that its anti-price gouging laws are now in effect and that it will invest in more inspectors and investigators and a legal team to go after fuel retailers who don’t comply. It encouraged drivers to check ‘Servo Saver’ to find the cheapest petrol nearby. Visit: www.service.vic.gov.au/find-services/transport-and-driving/servo-saver.

A spokesperson said the government is preparing now for the worsening impacts of the Iran conflict. “We are working closely with the Commonwealth to monitor the fuel supply situation. Right now, there is enough fuel for normal demand. But over time, the Iran conflict has the possibility to seriously disrupt key sectors that keep our state ticking.”

On Tuesday 17 March, the Premier convened an emergency sub-committee meeting of Cabinet to prepare for an industry forum with fuel suppliers, business groups and agricultural representatives to understand the situation on the ground and outline the actions the government could take. The government said that Heads of Departments and agencies are developing continuity plans for energy, agriculture and other key sectors.

Premier Jacinta Allan said: “This is the last thing families need right now, and I’m determined to do everything in our power to make things easier and more affordable for them. While we can’t control oil prices, we can crack down on price gouging and prepare ahead for the worst impacts.”

Supplies currently secure

The State Government website states that fuel supplies are secure and it is working with fuel suppliers to coordinate distribution and ease bottlenecks. It encourages drivers to purchase only the fuel that they need, in normal amounts.

Federally, a National Cabinet convened by the Prime Minister on Thursday 19 March discussed the current situation and plans, saying that while Australia does not have an overall fuel shortage, there are some shortages in specific areas due to an increase in demand in those locations. Leaders stated that:

“Their collective mission is to protect Australians from the economic consequences of the global conflict and to ensure continued fuel security, while building economic resilience for the long term. Australia is well placed to do both.”

Nationals demand support for regions

In a letter to the editor, Deputy Leader of The Nationals and Shadow Minister for Agriculture Emma Kealy MP accused the State Government of going into hiding on the issue. “Urgent engagement with the Commonwealth, fuel wholesalers, and importers is needed to prioritise agriculture in allocations and activate contingency plans,” Ms Kealy said.

“Reliable fuel is the lifeline for our farming industry and rural communities. Inaction risks turning this regional emergency into a statewide threat to food security.

The Nationals’ Member for Northern Victoria Gaelle Broad told Parliament on 19 March that the State Government must act now to ensure residents of northern Victoria have access to desperately needed fuel, saying that regional Victorians were paying more for fuel than people in the city, public transport not an option in many areas.

“Regional areas need fuel for transport to look after livestock, keep food on our tables and transport stock to supermarket shelves,” Ms Broad said.

Impacts on imports

Meanwhile Dr Vinh Thai, professor of logistics and supply chain management at RMIT says that the Middle East crisis will have a ripple effect on Australian imports. “While sustainability efforts often focus on reducing reliance on fossil fuels, the reality is that petrochemical components, derived from crude oil and natural gas, underpin more than 6,000 everyday products and high-tech devices. A prolonged or expanding conflict in the Middle East will inevitably strain the supply of key inputs into Australia.” Professor Thai pointed in particular to the importance of petrochemicals to the medical industry.

This article appeared in the Tarrangower Times, 27 March 2026.