Dungog fuel prices surge as farmers and regions are hardest hit

THE fuel crisis continues to deepen as diesel prices in Dungog Shire surge well over the $3 dollar a litre mark.

Petrol bowsers in various parts of regional NSW are running dry, with prices of up to $3.43 a litre seen in the local area.

According to NSW Government statistics released on 24 March, out of the 2,417 service stations in NSW, 164 were without diesel and 289 were without at least one type of fuel.

Around 32 regional NSW service stations were without any fuel at all.

Dungog Shire Mayor Digby Rayward summarised the frustration being felt across rural areas.

“I don’t have anything apart from the obvious, we all want the fuel situation to return to normal as quickly as possible,” he said.

Rural residents have taken their exasperation to social media, where videos have been shared of isolated service stations being completely out of fuel for days at a time.

Among those hardest hit are the region’s farmers.

NSW Farmers president Xavier Martin warned that without a reliable supply of diesel at a realistic price point, farmers of all commodities would need to make tough decisions about their operations, impacting Australia’s food and fibre supply.

“The impacts of this will be far reaching and long-term for farm business viability and rural communities,” Mr Martin said.

“Diesel prices in regional areas continue to rise rapidly and farmers who can access are having to absorb significant costs due to prices well above $3 dollars a litre.

“Farmers are price takers and many are also facing hefty transport and fuel levies from freight and service providers which they are being forced to absorb.”

By Joseph RICHARDS