What to do during a fuel shortage in Australia (2026)
Steps to find fuel, avoid wasted trips and stretch what is in your tank during Australia fuel supply disruptions.
By the FuelRadar team2 min read
Check the source before leaving
Start with official government or emergency advice for the affected area. FuelRadar can show supported station-availability reports where that data is supplied, but a normal price update is not proof that fuel is in stock. Stock can change between the report and your arrival.
Check more than one station
Look for an explicit in-stock or unavailable status, the time it was reported and the fuel grade affected. Keep one or two nearby alternatives in mind. If the availability report is old or the drive is long, contact the service station before setting off where practical.
Buy what you need
Follow official advice and avoid panic buying. An unnecessary top-up can add queues and place more pressure on the stations that still have supply. Combine essential trips, postpone optional travel where practical and leave enough time to reach an alternative station safely.
Use less fuel while supply is tight
Smooth acceleration, steady speeds, correct tyre pressure and removing unnecessary roof racks or loads can reduce fuel use. Plan several errands in one trip and avoid idling when it is safe and lawful to switch the engine off. The result varies by vehicle, traffic and driving conditions, so do not rely on a fixed percentage saving.
Use the correct fuel
Check the owner's manual or fuel-flap label before using a different petrol grade. Some vehicles can use more than one unleaded grade; others require premium fuel. Never put petrol in a diesel vehicle or diesel in a petrol vehicle. A conventional hybrid still requires its specified petrol grade.
Why local shortages happen
A station may run out because of a delivery delay, extreme weather, a supply-chain disruption, equipment failure or a sudden rise in local demand. The cause and expected duration differ by event. Australia imported 79% of its refined petroleum-product consumption in 2023–24, according to Australian Energy Statistics, but a local outage does not automatically mean there is a national shortage.
Official information
Use Fuelplan and state emergency information for national or regional supply advice. The Australian Energy Statistics energy-trade page explains import dependence.
Common questions
How do I find fuel during a shortage?
Check official incident advice and look for an explicit station-availability report with a recent timestamp. A price update alone does not confirm stock. Keep an alternative station in mind.
Should I fill up before a shortage gets worse?
Follow official advice and buy the fuel you need. Avoid unnecessary top-ups or stockpiling, which can add queues and pressure to local supply.
What causes a service station to run out of fuel?
Possible causes include delivery delays, extreme weather, supply-chain disruptions, equipment failure and a sudden rise in local demand. The cause and duration differ by event.
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