Fuel supply/ shortages

fatty · Veteran Member

Fuel supply/ shortages

Peter_n_Margaret · Guru

People who complain about fuel prices have never toured in Europe.

The average price of diesel around the world is 1.87 Australian Dollar per liter.

Diesel prices around the world, 09-Mar-2026 | GlobalPetrolPrices.com

Cheers,

Peter

fatty · Veteran Member

Peter_n_Margaret wrote:
People who complain about fuel prices have never toured in Europe.
The average price of diesel around the world is 1.87 Australian Dollar per liter.
Diesel prices around the world, 09-Mar-2026 | GlobalPetrolPrices.com
Cheers,
Peter

Not sure what that statement has got to do with fuel prices here rising by up to 75c a litre in the last couple of weeks.

Peter_n_Margaret · Guru

fatty wrote:
Not sure what that statement has got to do with fuel prices here rising by up to 75c a litre in the last couple of weeks.

Our fuel is not expensive, even now.

As anyone who sells anything knows well, the price you sell a product for needs to be related to the price you will need to pay to replace your stock. It is clear that that will increase, so prices must increase now.

Cheers,

Peter

Ineedabiggerboat · Senior Member

Fatty is right. Global fuel prices are meaningless. I dont buy my fuel in Dublin, Munich or Singapore. I buy it in my local area. No other way. A lot of factors affect fuel prices like excise, taxes, wholesales and retailers. Our government is useless in controlling the greed of which they are a player.

Ineedabiggerboat · Senior Member

In Australia, fuel sold at the pump has two main taxes included in the price: 1. Fuel Excise (Federal tax) About 51.6 cents per litre for petrol and diesel (since Aug 2025). This is a flat tax per litre, not a percentage of price. Its charged when fuel leaves the refinery or import terminal and is passed on to consumers. The rate is indexed to inflation twice a year (February and August). 2. GST 10% GST is applied to the final retail price of fuel (including the excise). Example (rough breakdown) If petrol costs $2.00 per litre at the pump: Fuel excise: $0.516 GST (10% of retail price): about $0.18 Total tax: about $0.70 per litre So roughly 3035% of the pump price can be tax, depending on the fuel price. High inflation, the guv loves it.

Whenarewethere · Guru

I was recently 3 months in Germany & was regularly filling up the tank for my relatives at about equal to AU$3.00 per litre, but it was worth it because of no speed limits of some of the Autobarn. We generally drove at roughly 160kph. Some days we did really have to slow down to a crawl due to ice on the roads.

rmoor · Guru

Isn't that a false economy?

Higher consumption rate at 160 KPH as opposed to 90 or 100 KPH?

rmoor · Guru

On the news this morning there were reports the ACCC does not have the powers to investigate fuel price increases.
That they are limited in their powers to what they can, and cannot investigate.

They are limited to product description and pricing collusion between several operators etc.
Also if the service stations do not advertise their prices, they cannot be investigated.
They deem a service station price board is not advertising.
Go figure?

So in fact the proposed increase in fines from 50 million to 100 million before parliament now is simply smoke and mirrors and unlikely to ever be imposed???

Whenarewethere · Guru

rmoor wrote:
Isn't that a false economy?

Higher consumption rate at 160 KPH as opposed to 90 or 100 KPH?

It is, about 2.5x the fuel consumption.

But it isn't the tedious speed like here, nor the very long distances where you would run out of fuel. Also people actually know how to drive in Germany. A lot of cars go a lot faster than us. The fastest estimate of someone passing us was about >250kph, a Porsche, we were doing about 140kph at the time. That was on a previous holiday.

Peter_n_Margaret · Guru

All commercial vehicles over 3.5T are limited to 80kph on those roads, and all trucks are off the road on Sundays unless they have a special permit.

And, if I recall, a motorhome over 3.5T is limited to 100kph.

Cheers,

Peter

-- Edited by Peter_n_Margaret on Thursday 12th of March 2026 10:54:56 AM

PeterInSa · Guru

12/03/26 11.45am, Diesel $2.57 in Southern Adelaide, Single Best Price, 1 outlet, need to Q/wait is $2.45 less with 4c Shopper Docket

Dougwe · Chief one feather

That will be next PeterInSa, put a hold on shopper docket discounts.

That sound a good idea for here in OZ Peter n Margaret. IMO speed is the reason we see so many trucks roll these days. CV's as well.

Many moons and suns back in Victoria, not sure of other States, there was a campaign "Wipe off 5 and survive' I have done that now to try and save a drop or three of diesel. 100kmh top speed in 110 zones.

Keep Safe on the roads and out there.

Ineedabiggerboat · Senior Member

When they have high speed accidents on those auto barns, to clean up, they only need brooms, a skip bin and a hose. Ive seen them.

rmoor · Guru

I was wondering what the body count was?

Particularly after the mention of ice.
I don't see the logic in those speeds.
A lot greater fuel consumption.

Surely just leave home 1/2 hour earlier, drive slower?

landy · Guru

The time you save on the road when you are traveling at those higher speeds is lost again in the extra stops you make at service stations.

Whenarewethere · Guru

German local streets & through villages etc are 30kph limit & there are lots of speed cameras.

Dougwe · Chief one feather

RIDICULOUS! Absolutely ridiculous.

The fuel used just on take-off was frightening. If the fuel gauge was in view, it would have dropped down just as fast.

Not to mention the safety of average Jo Blow driving at those speeds. NOT!

I'm happy to sit on my 100kmh max in a 110 zone and 95 in a 100 zone.

Keep safe on the roads and out there.

Stevejaz · Veteran Member

PeterInSa wrote:
12/03/26 11.45am, Diesel $2.57 in Southern Adelaide, Single Best Price, 1 outlet, need to Q/wait is $2.45 less with 4c Shopper Docket

LOL. The 4cent discount has been a joke for decades. I remember when it was introduced back in the early 90's I think when fuel was about 60 cents a litre.

Stevejaz · Veteran Member

After spending several thousand dollars on tools and materials and countless hours working on both Motorhome and A Van ( repairs and new springs as posted elsewhere in GNF seeming to be a great success) we are nearly ready to head off to Karumba from Adelaide, followed by gem fields and North Q'land coast.
Along comes WW3. Best laid plans and all of that.
While no-one here can answer the obvious question about future developments and the chance of getting stranded up north due to lack of fuel, I have one question I have not seen raised in this thread. That is the consequences of the increase in sulphur content in fuel, as per the Govt's new lowering of standards.
Our engine is a now 20 year old Fiat 3 litre which has just clicked over 100K. Any comments or suggestions? Due for service before we leave so any suggestions re additives etc most welcome.

rgren2 · Guru

Have a read through this and make up your own mind. I use it in my old school 6.5L Chev diesel, it definitely quietens the rattle from the engine.

https://thegreynomads.activeboard.com/t65767314/adding-2-stroke-oil-in-diesel/

-- Edited by rgren2 on Friday 13th of March 2026 09:21:08 AM

rmoor · Guru

On that, there was talk of "dirty fuel" on the news this morning.

What is dirty fuel?

fatty · Veteran Member

rgren2 wrote:
Have a read through this and make up your own mind. I use it in my old school 6.5L Chev diesel, it definitely quietens the rattle from the engine.
https://thegreynomads.activeboard.com/t65767314/adding-2-stroke-oil-in-diesel/

-- Edited by rgren2 on Friday 13th of March 2026 09:21:08 AM

Old being the operative word, Never add 2 stroke oil to a modern diesel engine, if you think you need something because of poor quality diesel use a quality additive like F10 fuel treatment. The cost of repairs to diesel pumps and injectors etc in modern diesels isn't worth the risk.

fatty · Veteran Member

Stevejaz wrote:
After spending several thousand dollars on tools and materials and countless hours working on both Motorhome and A Van ( repairs and new springs as posted elsewhere in GNF seeming to be a great success) we are nearly ready to head off to Karumba from Adelaide, followed by gem fields and North Q'land coast.
Along comes WW3. Best laid plans and all of that.
While no-one here can answer the obvious question about future developments and the chance of getting stranded up north due to lack of fuel, I have one question I have not seen raised in this thread. That is the consequences of the increase in sulphur content in fuel, as per the Govt's new lowering of standards.
Our engine is a now 20 year old Fiat 3 litre which has just clicked over 100K. Any comments or suggestions? Due for service before we leave so any suggestions re additives etc most welcome.

Yes it's a tough decision, do you go or do you stay put, we were caught up in the border shut-downs with covid so we aren't keen to go through that again,, staying home for now

Craig1 · Guru

The " dirty Fuel", has a high sulphur content and was sold here until Dec 2025. Govt manadated cleaner fule from Jan 1 2026. Refined here as well,now sold to the 3rd world, ie, back in Australia again. It is normal 91 RON, so in theory E10, 95 and 98 are still safe. Not 100% sure about diesel, think it is ok still.

My source- Car Expert .com.au on talk back this morning.

Peter_n_Margaret · Guru

When the Sulphur content of diesel was reduced in 2009, everyone was terrified it would wreck their engines.
Now that some will go back in, everyone is terrified again. biggrin
https://www.racq.com.au/articles/car-reviews-and-advisory/2022/10/sulphurs-role-in-diesel-fuel
The fuel with the higher sulphur content will be blended with the current stuff, so the increase in sulphur will be minimal.
Cheers,
Peter

PeterInSa · Guru

Re (LOL. The 4cent discount has been a joke for decades)

Topped up wifes Yaris yesterday at local Caltex $2.19Lt less 10c/Lt showing/scanning RAA card. But in the past ( pre Iran) one local fuel outlet coud still beat local prices by 15c+ a Lt.

AI Overview

RAA members can save 10 cents per liter on fuel at participating Caltex stations in South Australia (up to 120 liters per day) by scanning their physical or digital membership card. This offer is valid until June 30, 2026, and applies to petrol, diesel, and LPG.

rmoor · Guru

News reports are Batlow in Southern NSW has no fuel now.
Their next delivery quote was $3.20 p.l. so they refused to pay that and have chosen to shut down instead.

The government are blaming we, the consumers are the problem?
I have reduced my trips by half and not going anywhere, other than medical appointments or 2 Km for groceries, just staying put in order to do the right thing.
No fishing or golf on the weekend, just conserving what is in the tank.
Doing the right thing, the Australian thing....

So if there is no govt reported shortage or supply issues, why are suppliers charging Batlow Independents $3.20 a litre at cost????
The ACCC are actually limited in their powers to control any of this.
There has to be collusion evident to take any action.
Then there is the issue that the price boards at Service stations are not considered by the ACCC to be "advertising".
The ACCC can only act if deceptive advertising is evident.

At least one thing this fuel crisis has highlighted.
Just how dependent our food and grocery prices etc are reliant on fossil fuels.
At least it highlights some out there are dreamin'.

A mate locally who transports round bales into Sydney with heavy transport is livid at the energy ministers comments "you should be driving electric".

So what? He loads one round bale on the back of of an electric Poondinger and delivers it to Sydney via a closed road that has collapsed at Mt Victoria?

Get real.

PeterInSa · Guru

Re (energy ministers comments "you should be driving electric")

At What Cost?

Adelaide friend had a Queen Size bed delivered from Aldi...( pay more to have the 7 boxes put inside your home) Delivered in a very large vehicle. When it drove off, it was very quiet , on the back "Aldi Electric Vehicle Delivery".

Its Sad re Bartlow Fuel, 10% of Oz Apple Crop from Batlow

About

Batlow is a town in the South West Slopes region of New South Wales, Australia, on the edge of the Great Dividing Range, 775 m above sea level. Batlow is well known for its apples. About 50 growers in the district supply 1.6 million cases of apples, or 10% of the Australian apple crop, to the Australian market.

-- Edited by PeterInSa on Friday 13th of March 2026 12:58:00 PM

Stevejaz · Veteran Member

Speaking of apples. $8/kg for Pink Ladies? Bet the growers are getting a pretty small part of that. As to sulphur in diesel I'll follow service mechanics advice. Just had injectors and some other expensive stuff done. Think it's going to be wait and see for now. Covid was about Borders. This is different. Half of me thinks if things get that bad we might be better off being stuck somewhere though. As long as there is good fishing.

Fish Damper Bean sprouts and rice.

-- Edited by Stevejaz on Friday 13th of March 2026 01:14:13 PM