Australia’s farmers say stabilising fuel supply and a slight dip in prices have done little to ease the severe financial strain gripping the agriculture sector. Despite signs of improvement at the bowser, growers warn they are facing one of the toughest periods in decades and are now urging major supermarket chains to pay more for fresh produce to help cover skyrocketing costs.
Industry leaders say the request is unavoidable and could eventually mean higher prices for consumers. South Australian Dairyfarmers’ Association (SADA) president Robert Brokenshire described the current situation as unprecedented, citing the simultaneous impact of drought, fuel price spikes and a fertiliser shortage. “It’s the most diabolical situation that we’ve seen in 40 to 60 years,” he said.
Energy Minister Chris Bowen, meanwhile, reported progress in reducing fuel shortages nationwide. New South Wales remains the hardest hit, with 150 stations currently out of diesel down from 182 the previous day and 36 stations completely out of fuel. Victoria has 51 stations without diesel, Queensland 49, South Australia 13, Tasmania 8, the Northern Territory 5, and the ACT 6.
Bowen said the improvements were encouraging but stressed that significant challenges remain, particularly for industries heavily dependent on diesel. Farmers say that even with supply stabilising, the cost of running machinery, transporting goods and maintaining production continues to climb, leaving many operations on the brink.
As the sector braces for the months ahead, growers warn that without immediate support including fairer pricing from major retailers Australia’s food supply chain could face serious disruptions.
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