THE HON DAVID LITTLEPROUD MP
Leader of The Nationals, Shadow Agriculture Minister
Federal Member for Maranoa
8 March 2025
Labor’s food security chaos as farmers unable to get fuel supplies
Leader of The Nationals David Littleproud is urging the Federal Labor Government to address uncertainty in national fuel supply and pricing, which is leading to fuel restrictions and shortages for farmers and agricultural industries.
Farmers around the country are unable to source what’s known as forward fuel supplies, or contract agreements to secure fuel delivery at a fixed price, as well as obtain supply quotes, due to increasing volatility in national fuel supplies.
“Farmers cannot get the fuel they need in regional and rural areas right now, which is placing enormous pressure on the agriculture industry,” Mr Littleproud said.
“This will have huge consequences all around the country because it means our farmers can’t farm and when supply goes down, prices go up, so families will feel this problem also at the supermarket checkout.
“Farmers are telling me their fuel deliveries have stopped and ceased until further notice.
“I have written to Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen and told him it is critical the situation receives urgent attention.
“The Federal Labor Government must provide assurances to the agriculture sector that there will be access to forward fuel supplies, and that operations won’t be impacted.”
Darling Downs mixed farming operator-owner Layton Free said he is “disgusted and disappointed” with the lack of fuel supply in regional Australia.
“On contacting our regular supplier first thing Monday morning, we are normally able to lock in supply and price for the week,” Mr Free explained.
“We received zero delivery as the refinery has ceased supply until further notice.
“Two other fuel suppliers which we receive product from occasionally have also sent emails stating the same.
“When the government says the farmers are just whinging, they need to wake up. This isn’t a ‘woe is me’ thing.
“We rely on fuel every day and in our business we feed cattle. We need fuel to run the equipment. Once fuel is gone from our machines we won’t have anymore fuel.
“The produce that we create then has to be put on trucks and processed. Trucks require fuel also. Once the product is processed and distributed, fuel is required again to distribute for the public to buy.
“The issue isn’t just that we can’t farm – we need to be able to produce food and shift it to the processor, then get it to the supermarkets.
“People need to realise the impact is on everybody. This is a food security issue that will impact every single Australian if it isn’t fixed soon.
“This could also soon be an issue to manage livestock and what we do if we run out of fuel.
“This situation is untenable for any business in this ‘Lucky Country’ of ours. It is disgusting, disappointing and extremely worrying.”
