Energy Minister Chris Bowen says he is “pleased” with forecast for fuel supply through April, but warned the winter months remain at risk.
Speaking on Good Friday, Mr Bowen said service stations across Australia were being refilled, despite “very high demand” and ongoing shortages.
In NSW, 182 service stations were out of fuel, down marginally from the 184 which were running dry on Thursday.
Out of 2400 stations in the state, 48 were entirely out of stock.
Mr Bowen said those figures were lower across the rest of Australia, with most shortages being of diesel.
In Victoria, 76 stations were out of diesel and 37 out of unleaded petrol.
Further north, the Sunshine State was reporting 75 stations without diesel and 24 out of unleaded petrol, while in South Australia there were 28 stations without diesel and 15 with no unleaded.
Western Australia reported 37 stations with no diesel and 58 without unleaded, Tasmania was reporting seven of each, and in the Northern Territory, there were five stations without diesel and four without unleaded.
Mr Bowen said refineries were focusing on getting diesel flowing in NSW.
“That’s mainly because it’s sowing and seeding time,” he said.
“The companies are rightly, in my view, concentrating on getting that fuel to the farmers so they can get their seeds in the ground so that they continue to can continue to feed us over coming weeks and months.”
Tens of thousands of Australians are expected to be on the move over Easter, despite the Iran war continuing to put pressure on fuel prices.
Twin cuts to the fuel excise tax – the latter being a result of an agreement between the states and territories on GST windfall – are having an impact on bowser prices, with the
Meanwhile, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission is warning operators to pass on reductions or face action.
The Albanese government during the week confirmed six fuel ships cancelled as a result of war in the Middle East had also been replaced.
Mr Bowen said “well over 50 ships” were on their way to Australia, and that Export Finance Australia was in “very advanced and detailed discussions” with suppliers.
“But, they’re getting more expensive and getting riskier with the volatile oil price. We want to help and we are helping,” he said.
“We have always made crystal clear there are risks across the board, particularly as you look now, well into May and into June.
“But, we’re we are pleased with the forward indicators of supply now all through April and into May. That’s a good thing.”
The Albanese government this week announced interest-free loans for businesses impacted by the crisis, having also legislated tougher penalties for the ACCC to implement.
