General News
26 March, 2026
Fuel crisis not being addressed, MP says
LOWAN MP Emma Kealy has slammed the Victorian Government as having ignored the Nationals’ pleas to release fuel held under the minimum stockholding obligation to help alleviate Victoria’s worsening fuel shortages.
During question time in Victorian Parliament last week, Ms Kealy highlighted the government’s inaction and the plight of farmers, many of whom have contacted her after being unable to secure enough fuel for the imminent cropping season.
Some farmers have been told they will not be able to secure any diesel and only have enough stored on-farm to plant 25 per cent of this year’s crop.
Ms Kealy, who also raised the matter during Parliament’s adjournment debate last Wednesday night, said fuel shortages had put rural and regional communities under enormous strain, particularly for farmers.
“We are at a critical point when it comes to food security in Victoria and agricultural security and, without continuity of fuel supply, Victoria will grind to a halt,” she said.
“Without fuel, there is no food.
“Farmers also rely on fuel to be able to mix their feed, to apply fertilisers, to manage stock and to get goods to and from farms.
“For many of our local distributors, this is not just about higher prices – it is about whether they can secure supply at all.”
Ms Kealy said it was time for the government to use whatever means necessary to ensure industry has sufficient fuel supply.
“It is critical that the government uses any mechanism available to ensure our farmers have the fuel they need to get the crops in the ground that produce our food,” she said.
“Injecting supply into the spot market is a practical step to stabilise prices and restore availability where it is needed most.
“Labor must stop paying lip service to this crisis and work with its federal counterparts to release the minimum stockholding obligation into the spot market to ensure farmers and the wider community have the fuel they desperately need.”