A Fuel Security Roundtable was held today, with more than 50 industry and Government leaders meeting to share their expertise and ‘discuss fuel security challenges arising from the conflict in the Middle East’.
In a media release, the NSW government says it comprised leaders from transport and logistics, fuel, agriculture, local government, mining, unions and consumer protection groups, who joined senior NSW cabinet ministers.
They say, ‘While the Federal Government is responsible for Australia’s fuel supply and has advised that national fuel stocks remain secure, the Roundtable agreed to prioritise immediate actions by the NSW Government and industry to address local distribution issues and minimise price impacts for consumers’.
‘A key outcome of the meeting was a commitment from industry to share information with the NSW Government to provide a coordinated view of the state’s fuel supply to be shared with the Commonwealth.
‘The Roundtable agreed to a number of immediate measures, including:
- ‘Fuel retailers using the FuelCheck app to notify when fuel is unavailable, helping the community identify nearby service stations where they can and can’t refuel.
- ‘The fuel industry prioritising supply to areas of NSW with limited access to fuel, with the Government signalling it would consider intervention if necessary.
- ‘Bulk customers, government agencies and other stakeholders coordinating information requests through the NSW Government’s Energy and Utilities crisis team (EUSFA), allowing industry to focus on delivering fuel where it is most needed.
‘The Roundtable heard from NSW Farmer’s Federation, Country Mayors Association and other representatives from Regional NSW peak organisations about the particular challenges facing the bush.
‘A variety of views were heard including from ports, airports and major fuel suppliers that supply remains strong. Specific concerns were raised by regional stakeholders around the supply of diesel to bulk fuel users and some petrol stations.
‘It was agreed to hold further conversations on regional issues in the coming fortnight to focus in detail on those issues, which include fuel shortages, price rises and potential impacts on fertilizer for the upcoming winter sowing season, when fuel and fertilizer demand is highest.
‘For people looking to fill up their car, FuelCheck remains the best place to go, which provides real time information about price and availability. If prices at petrol stations differ from what is advertised on the app, consumers should report this. Fair Trading is increasing its compliance.
‘Concerns around panic buying leading to unsafe storage of excess fuels were also raised. Safe work NSW has strict guidance on managing flammable and combustible substances, including that stocks must be kept in the lowest practical quantity in the workplace.
‘The NSW Government will continue working closely with the Commonwealth Government to ease pressures across the state, with insights shared by industry leaders today helping guide further medium- and long-term responses.
- ‘The Fuel Security Roundtable builds on other measures the NSW Government has taken including:
- ‘Engaging with the Australian Government and meeting the National Oil Security Emergency Committee twice a week, through the NSW Government’s Energy and Utilities Services coordination team.
- ‘Standing up a fuel security crisis team led by Premier’s Department, including emergency services, education, health, transport and the energy department to share information, monitor supply and ensure emergency services and government essential services continue to function.
- ‘Running an incident room to track and monitor data.
- ‘Monitoring availability of fuel at petrol stations by verifying reports of no availability directly with petrol stations and mapping the location of any reports of low or no fuel availability.
- ‘Mapping the current fuel storage facilities across NSW.
- ‘Bringing forward a planned NSW Fair Trading compliance blitz on FuelCheck to now commence in the coming week. The program will more than double the number of sites visited using data driven site targeting’, says the media release.
For four decades The Echo has printed the stories some people loved, some people hated, and some pretended not to read. If you want us to keep telling the truth, the real truth, not the sugar-coated version. We’ll need your support to keep the presses rolling. 
