Diesel hits $2.86 a litre as trucking operators face collapse
Diesel prices jumped 18.9 cents in one week to $2.86 a litre, pushing trucking operators to the brink.
Australia's trucking industry is in crisis as diesel prices spike at the worst possible time. Prices hit an average of $2.86 a litre in capital cities this week, up 18.9 cents from the week prior, with costs expected to worsen over the next six months.
The peak season for freight runs from now until Christmas, putting extra pressure on already struggling operators. Paul Kahlert, chief executive of All Purpose Transport, says he is watching multi-generation family businesses put trucks up for auction because children cannot watch their parents struggle.
The federal government essentially ruled out restoring the 32-cent fuel excise cut, saying the temporary relief has ended. Industry groups are calling on government for immediate relief, warning they cannot keep financing sharp fuel increases on behalf of the supply chain.
- $2.86 per litre
- Diesel price
- 18.9 cents
- Weekly increase
- More than 400
- All Purpose Transport employees
- 32 cents per litre
- Fuel excise cut
Why it mattersIf trucking operators collapse, supply chains to rural towns break down, affecting food, clothes and school supplies in communities that depend on road transport.
AustraliaAustralians in regional towns face shortages of fresh produce, groceries and essential goods if trucking businesses cannot stay afloat under rising fuel and operating costs.
Corroborated bycanberratimes.com.au
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 4 h ago
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