The escalating fuel crisis driven by conflict in the Middle East is exposing serious failures by the Albanese Government, with communities across Mallee running out of fuel and facing skyrocketing costs, Member for Mallee Dr Anne Webster MP said.

“Communities across Mallee are already experiencing fuel shortages, with towns including Donald, Wedderburn, Robinvale, Ultima, Rainbow and Ouyen reporting bowsers running empty,” Dr Webster said.

“In Donald, I have been told diesel prices are increasing by as much as 10 cents per day. That is simply unsustainable for households, small businesses and primary producers.”

“This is not just a global crisis — it is a failure of the Albanese Government and Minister Chris Bowen to ensure Australia has adequate fuel security and supply when and WHERE it matters most.”

Dr Webster said the crisis was placing enormous pressure on farmers and horticulturalists at a critical time in the agricultural calendar.

“Farmers are facing rising input costs for both fuel and urea fertiliser, coupled with real uncertainty about whether they will be able to access the supplies they need,” she said.

“There is a genuine risk that seeding and harvest operations will be disrupted. That doesn’t just affect farmers — it flows through to the entire economy and ultimately hits families at the supermarket checkout.”

“Chris Bowen has been asleep at the wheel on fuel security, and now regional Australians are paying the price.”

Dr Webster said the situation was particularly acute in the Sunraysia region, where producers are already reeling from recent flooding.

“In Sunraysia, this fuel crisis comes on top of devastating flood impacts on almond, citrus and grape growers,” she said.

“These industries are already under immense strain, and this additional pressure could have long-term consequences for regional jobs, exports and local communities.”

Dr Webster said she had been actively engaging with stakeholders and regulators to advocate for them.

“This week, I spoke directly with the ACCC and I am grateful they have launched a probe into potential anti-competitive behaviour by major fuel suppliers.”

“But the reality is the ACCC should not have to step in after the damage is already being done — this Government should have been ahead of the curve.”

Dr Webster said regional Australians deserved transparency and fairness in fuel markets, particularly during a crisis.

“People in the Mallee deserve to know that they are not being unfairly treated at a time when they have no alternatives,” she said.

“Labor’s failure to plan for fuel disruptions has left regional communities exposed, vulnerable and paying more.”

“This is about ensuring fuel security, supporting our agricultural sector, and protecting regional communities from being left behind.”

Dr Webster reaffirmed her commitment to advocating for the region.

“I will continue to fight every day for the livelihoods of people in the Mallee,” she said.

“Regional Australians should not be the ones bearing the brunt of global instability. We need urgent attention to ensure fuel supply, affordability and fairness.”

“Right now, the Albanese Government is failing that test.”