Transport

After more than two decades in the transport haulage business, Narrandera-based Hayllar Transport managing director Bernie Hayllar could not have envisaged the current situation he is facing due to the conflict in the Middle East. The fuel crisis has put many Riverina transport operators under extreme financial pressure due to the rising costs of fuel.

The Western Australian Government has announced that it has secured a stockpile diesel. The Opposition is sceptical.

Recent rains have given Aussie farmers a valuable head start on sowing this season’s winter crop, but higher freight, fuel, and fertiliser costs are squeezing margins across the country, Bendigo Bank Agribusiness’ latest Monthly Commodity Update outlines.

The Member for Central Wheatbelt and Shadow Minister for Agriculture and Food, Lachlan Hunter MP, says the Cook Labor Government is failing to manage the fuel crisis, with the town of Dowerin left without diesel for eight days. Mr Hunter said the situation exposes the growing gap between what the Government is saying and what is happening across regional Western Australia.

The State Opposition is calling for greater scrutiny of fuel retailers who appear to be using global events as an excuse to over-inflate prices. The RAA says unleaded pump prices are between 15 and 20 cents per litre higher than wholesale prices, which compares to margins of between eight and 13 cents per litre before the Middle East conflict began.

FWCA Chair Steve Dobbyns warns hidden cost pressures are overwhelming regional industries. Forest & Wood Communities Australia (FWCA) is warning that recent fuel relief measures are failing to deliver meaningful impact for regional industries, as underlying diesel costs continue to rise sharply across the supply chain.

The current fuel crisis failed to hinder hundreds of motor vehicle enthusiasts descending on Narrandera over the Easter long weekend for the annual Narrandera Rod Run. Although many visitors had to pay high prices for fuel to travel to the event, the situation did not put a dampener on an amazing weekend of incredible vintage vehicles taking to the streets.

A cut in fuel excise to make petrol more affordable and a push for more Victorians to use public transport instead of driving are welcome measures to help navigate the fuel crisis, according to Rural Councils Victoria. The 50 per cent excise cut will mean immediate relief at the bowser for rural residents and business operators including farmers.

Regional Cities New South Wales (RCNSW) says the Minns Government’s final Budget before the election is a defining moment to address the growing inequity facing regional communities, inequity now being accelerated by the growing national fuel crisis ... RCNSW’s 2026–27 Pre-Budget Submission highlights a widening gap between rapid regional population growth and the infrastructure needed to support it.

As Australians grapple with current fuel price hikes and supply challenges, a new report highlights the key role the nation’s canola could play as a biofuel in future energy transition and fuel security.

Burton Automotive Hunter Valley Steamfest 2026 is fast approaching, with a packed program set to bring Maitland to life on Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 April. Alongside the headline ARTC Rail Program, there’s plenty happening across the city for all-ages.

The Malinauskas Labor Government is fast-tracking new heavy freight reforms to lift productivity and drive down costs, including by delivering a reduction in fuel usage of up to 18 per cent. The reforms will take effect immediately and will see 100 new network maps introduced across state roads in South Australia, unlocking access to more efficient truck and trailer configurations and providing increased operational flexibility.

Mallee residents can report fuel outages in their area using a new website, Dr Anne Webster MP, Federal Member for Mallee, said today, calling on residents to log fuel shortages on www.nofuelhere.com.au as communities across regional Australia feel the sting of the nation's fuel crisis.

More than 1.2 million litres of diesel every week could be back in the hands of our truckies and farmers if we had CopperString to Mount Isa, Robbie Katter, Katter’s Australian Party (KAP) Leader, and Member for Traeger has said. A survey of power-isolated mines in the North West Minerals Provence has revealed 13 triple road trains a week are needed to generate on-site electricity...

The City of Wanneroo, Shire of Gingin and WALGA have been asked if local governments have any concerns about not being able to provide services such as waste collection services as the fuel crisis potentially escalates in coming weeks.

Daniel Puentes. Melbourne street artist Heesco has once again brought his unmistakable creative energy to Donald, unveiling not one but two striking new murals that are already breathing fresh life into the town's landscape. With his remarkable eye for detail and storytelling through art, Heesco continues to transform everyday spaces into vibrant landmarks worth celebrating.

Police were called to the Allora headquarters of Bartranz Petroleum last week after a man allegedly lashed out at staff. Bartranz owners Justin and Gretta Barton described it as "A Tough Day for Our Team" ... A man allegedly entered the workplace and became aggressive over a fuel pricing dispute.

The NSW Government is boosting freight efficiency to keep goods moving and help reduce pressure on fuel supply in NSW, working closely with the Commonwealth and other states under the new National Fuel Security Plan. In line with Level 2 of the Plan - Keeping Australia Moving - these measures will increase access to the road network for larger trucks that can carry more goods in a single trip, and ease restrictions on operating hours.

The Finocchiaro CLP Government has enacted the Price Exploitation Prevention Act for the first time, since its inception in 1949, in an unprecedented move to manage the on-going fuel crisis.

Following a meeting of the National Cabinet ... the Australian Government will halve the fuel excise on petrol and diesel for three months ... is acting to shield Australia against any future fuel supply chain disruptions, by establishing new fuel security powers, enabling government to work with fuel suppliers to keep fuel flowing to Australia.

Queensland horticulture growers have been dealing with rising input costs for years. Now, surging fuel prices, and critical input shortages are compounding those pressures, pushing farms to breaking point, threatening jobs and the state’s long-term supply of fresh fruit and vegetables.