26 March 2026
Jeremy Rockliff, Premier
Speaker, Members of the House,
I rise today to update the Parliament on the current fuel pressures affecting Tasmania and their impact on our communities, our industries, and our economy.
While global instability is the catalyst, the consequences are being felt acutely here at home.
The distance from conflict matters little when it comes to the impact on Tasmanians.
Across Tasmania, motorists continue to face sharp fuel price increases.
And some petrol stations have reported petrol and diesel shortages.
It is unclear how long these challenges will continue but we must continue to be prepared for ongoing high prices and challenges with supply.
Speaker, the consequences extend deeply into sectors central to Tasmania’s identity and economy.
Tourism operators report cancellations from both international and interstate visitors due to concerns over rising fuel costs and supply reliability.
This particularly affects regional tourism operators, whose business relies on visitors travelling longer distances.
Rising fuel costs are affecting everything from farm machinery to freight.
Industry feedback presented at our roundtable confirms fuel volatility is placing significant additional strain on primary producers.
It is affecting communities everywhere - from paddock to plate.
Some freight operators have been forced to increase surcharges by up to 50% in response to rapid rises in wholesale prices.
These costs ultimately reach consumers, affecting the price of goods across the State.
I want to reassure the House that, despite these challenges, Tasmania’s fuel supply remains secure.
At the Government’s roundtable with industry, suppliers confirmed we have sufficient fuel on island and more on the way.
There is no need for stockpiling, which only increases pressure on the system.
We have written to the ACCC requesting close monitoring of the fuel market to prevent price gouging or anti competitive behaviour.
Tasmanians are also encouraged to use FuelCheck Tasmania to locate the most competitive prices.
I can inform the house that from today we are also moving to ensure any fuel outages are promptly reported on the Fuel Check app to keep Tasmanians up to date with the latest information.
Speaker, in response to these pressures the Government intends to today introduce new legislation designed to further improve transparency, strengthen compliance, and enhance Tasmania’s ability to act during fuel disruptions.
It enforces clearer rules for fuel companies to report on supply levels and introduces penalties should they fail to do so.
It allows the Government to get important information quickly.
And it strengthens our emergency powers.
The Bill updates Tasmania’s emergency fuel laws so that emergency restriction periods can last longer when needed; and the Government can temporarily set maximum fuel prices to protect consumers from unreasonable spikes.
This Bill gives Tasmania stronger tools to keep fuel companies accountable, protect consumers, and act decisively during supply risks or emergencies.
Speaker, addressing fuel instability requires national cooperation.
The Federal Government holds important responsibilities in this space - particularly in fuel regulation, reserves management, and national supply coordination.
We respect the Federal Government’s efforts to manage a complex national situation, but we urge them to move with greater pace and clarity.
We also continue to call on the Federal Government to reduce the fuel excise while the current situation remains volatile.
This will give Tasmanians real price relief.
Tasmania, as an island State with unique logistical challenges, depends heavily on timely national decisions to stabilise both prices and supply chains.
We will continue to advocate strongly for Tasmania’s position at next week’s National Cabinet meeting.
Speaker, Tasmania is facing real fuel pressures, but we remain secure, prepared, and focused.
Our Government will continue advocating strongly - and constructively - with the Commonwealth, supporting local industries, and keeping Tasmanians informed.
Speaker, I thank members of the house.
Together, we will navigate this challenge calmly, cooperatively, and with confidence in the strength of our state.