The cost of fuel continues to be a major consideration in the budget, particularly in country areas where distances travelled are inevitably further for your average daily needs like accessing shops, schools and other activities.
A local recently warned people that his shed was broken into, and his jerry can stolen, along with the diesel from his tractor that had been syphoned off.
‘This is the first time I have had fuel stolen. It is terrible. Fuel is so expensive,’ he told The Echo.
The local farmer lost between 80 and 90 litres of diesel costing several hundred dollars.
‘The police came out and told me that after the floods there have been a lot of people losing their fuel’.
Holes punched in tanks
‘Apparently, they are having holes punched in their tanks from underneath and a container is left under the vehicle while it drains and they come back and pick it up about ten minutes later.’
Police also reported a fuel theft at a worksite on Midgin Flat Road, Broken Head, in the early hours of Sunday, July 28.
Acting Inspector from Tweed Byron Police, Chris Neaves, told The Echo. ‘Unknown offender/s attempted to steal an excavator from a worksite on Midgin Flat Road, Broken Head. Unsuccessful, they tampered with work equipment and stole a quantity of diesel fuel’.
‘Police have received information that a number of worksites in the area and work equipment have been subjected to thefts. Therefore, police have stepped up patrols of the Byron Shire rural areas and sites at risk. I encourage victims to report the matter, as we have not had many formal reports of diesel theft.’
To make a report, call the Police Assistance Line on 131 444, or visit the community portal online at www.police.nsw.gov.au, or call Byron Bay Police on 6685 9499.
Fuel excise to end
While Australian fuel prices are the sixth lowest among the OECD countries, fuel prices are linked to the international cost of oil.
The former Australian Government halved the fuel excise (government tax on fuel) in March 2021. This removed 22 cents a litre off fuel prices, most of which was passed on to the consumer.
The fuel excise is due to end in September, says the current Labor government.
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