That’s the question being asked this week as prices creep higher every day and pressure on the Federal Government to sure up fuels stocks continues.
With supply under heavy strain due to conflict in the Middle East, fuel prices increased sharply last week and fears of long-term supply issues arose.
This lead to panic buying in some areas - mostly metropolitan - and the short-term closure of the Blighty diesel pumps operated by Riordans last week when fuel supplies dried up until they could be replenished the next day.
The Pastoral Times has noted that rationing has started in the district, at smaller petrol stations in surroundings towns and villages.
It is unclear whether this is due to potential shortages, or in an effort to stem panic buying.
But one of Deniliquin’s largest suppliers, Purtill Group and Ampol, says if people are sensible there is “enough stock available for normal use, and plans in place for the next three months at least”.
If attendance at a rod run event in Echuca-Moama at the weekend is anything to go by, the fuel prices will not stop those who really want to get out and explore or be involved.
Although Deniliquin Business Chamber president Angela Parker admitted the rising costs are a concern as Easter creeps closer.
But she said it might also work in Deniliquin’s favour, keeping holidays makers a little closer to home than normal.
“There is real concern over prices,” she said.
“We rely heavily on that tourism trade, and I think people won’t go very far; rather, a shorter trip locally could be on the cards.
“But fuel isn’t the only rising cost. A lot of other costs have also risen as a result, so that’s been a factor.
“We’re all hopeful Easter is as busy as it usually is.”
Edward River Mayor Ashley Hall is far more optimistic, saying recent anxiety about fuel availability had been overstated.
“It’s probably more a perception than reality,” he said, noting there had been “a bit of panic from the national media” but no disruption to local supply.
He expressed that “Deniliquin is open for business”.
“We want to reassure potential visitors we have fuel, so people can plan their Easter trip with confidence,” he said.
At the time of going to print yesterday, using the Petrol Spy app, regular unleaded petrol (u91) was selling for between 229.9c/L and 236.9c/L in Deniliquin, and diesel was selling for between 269.9c/L and 276.9c/L.
The prices are mostly on par with Melbourne service stations.
While neither fuel type hit the $3 mark by the end of last week as was predicted by many, it is still a sharp increase on the 206.9c/L to 209.9c/L for U91 and 229.9c/L to 236.9c/L for diesel based on last Wednesday’s data.
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