17 June 2026
Fuel update: What might be changing from 1 July and what it means for SA producers
Members should be aware that the 3-month temporary fuel excise relief is due to end on 30 June. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed yesterday that an extension of the temporary fuel excise cut is now under active consideration by the federal government.
If the temporary fuel excise is not extended, further pressure to already elevated input costs across livestock businesses, particularly for diesel-dependent operations such as transport, on-farm management, and value chain activities will likely increase.
As we have consistently highlighted, producers are price takers, not price setters, meaning these increases are often absorbed at the farm gate, which impact day-to-day operations, freight, place further pressure on input costs and cashflow, and have flow on impacts throughout the red meat and wool supply chains.
In May, we welcomed the State Government’s announcement of a Strategic Diesel Reserve as a positive step toward strengthening fuel security for regional South Australia. Reliable access to diesel is critical for on-farm operations, animal welfare, and all associated transport costs. Distance already shapes the economics of the livestock industry in this state.
While we support the intent of the reserve, we have written to the Premier and Treasurer seeking further detail on how it will operate in practice. It is critical that any framework provides confidence that fuel can continue to reach agriculture and regional communities during disruption events.
We will continue to advocate for practical responses to rising fuel and input costs and work with government and industry to support long-term fuel security and resilience.
We welcome members ongoing engagement and continued feedback on this matter. It is your on-ground experience that continues to directly inform our work. Please email admin@livestocksa.com.au.
Travis Tobin
CEO Livestock SA
17 April 2026
Fuel and Fertiliser - What’s happening and what it means for SA producers
Livestock SA continues to work closely with government and industry on fuel and fertiliser supply, as rising input costs remain a significant pressure on South Australian livestock and mixed farming businesses.
You may have seen recent national reporting that Australia’s Prime Minister has travelled to Asia to help secure fertiliser and fuel arrangements, including 250,000 tonnes of Indonesian urea, along with a separate agreement with Brunei aimed at supporting fuel and fertiliser flows in exchange for Australian food exports. These discussions come at a time when Australia’s fuel security has also been under focus following a fire at the Geelong refinery, one of only two operating domestically.
These international arrangements are aimed at improving overall supply resilience at a national level. However, they do not immediately resolve the challenges being felt on farm, particularly around price pressure, delivery reliability and ongoing uncertainty.
As we have consistently raised with both state and national decision‑makers, what producers are experiencing now is not unexpected. Rising input costs, fuel reliability concerns and fertiliser supply risks have been building for some time, and their compounding impact is now being felt across agricultural businesses.
Livestock SA remains actively engaged through:
- established fuel security and supply‑chain coordination groups
- ongoing engagement with the South Australian Government
- close collaboration with Primary Producers SA (PPSA) and the National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) to ensure South Australian conditions are clearly reflected in national advocacy
We have also previously acknowledged government action to provide access to finance through nationally administered loan products, including those offered through the Regional Investment Corporation (RIC). While these can provide short‑term assistance or cash‑flow relief for some producers, they are not a complete solution when essential input costs remain elevated over extended periods.
Your on‑ground updates remain critical. and allows us to strengthen advocacy with government and national bodies. Please take this short survey.
We will continue to keep members informed as national and state‑level discussions evolve.
Gillian Fennell
Chair, Livestock SA
24 March 2026
Fuel supply update – Keep your feedback coming
Livestock SA continues to receive a steady flow of feedback from members regarding fuel availability, pricing and delivery delays, particularly in regional South Australia. We want to assure members that we are actively representing industry concerns and encouraging producers to stay in contact as issues emerge.
What we are hearing from producers
- Bulk fuel deliveries remain inconsistent, with some producers experiencing repeated delays or being advised that on‑farm deliveries are no longer available.
- A number of members have raised safety concerns related to increased fuel carting into town as an alternative.
- There have been isolated incidents of suspicious activity around on‑farm fuel storage, reinforcing the need for producers to remain vigilant and secure infrastructure where possible.
- Overall sentiment remains concern rather than panic, with the key pressures being cost, reliability of delivery, and operational impacts during a busy seasonal period.
Livestock SA is actively engaged at the table with the State Operational Group, where fuel supply, distribution and impacts on primary industries are being discussed. This group continues to gain traction, with information flows improving and coordination across agencies increasing.
Your feedback is critical. We strongly encourage members to continue contacting Livestock SA so that local, real‑time experiences can be fed directly into these discussions and reflected in ongoing advocacy.
For members looking for some immediate relief where available, Livestock SA members can access 7 cents per litre off fuel through our Shell Card partnership. While this does not address supply constraints, it may provide some assistance on cost where Shell outlets are accessible. Members can access this benefit through Shell
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has significantly increased its focus on fuel markets and regional diesel supply and has confirmed:
- Australia’s overall fuel supply remains stable, with ships continuing to arrive and national stock levels above minimum requirements.
- However, the ACCC has acknowledged concerning reports of diesel availability issues in regional and rural Australia, particularly affecting primary producers and independent distributors.
- The ACCC is conducting weekly fuel price monitoring, has convened emergency meetings with fuel retailers, and has launched formal investigations into alleged anti‑competitive conduct by major fuel suppliers relating to diesel distribution.
ACCC Chair Gina Cass‑Gottlieb stated:
“We recognise the widespread concerns held by consumers, businesses and farmers about fuel pricing and supply issues. The ACCC is closely scrutinising market conduct in relation to all fuels and will not hesitate to act swiftly to enforce Australia’s competition and consumer laws.”
The ACCC has also indicated it is prepared to authorise coordination arrangements where this would deliver a net public benefit, particularly to assist diesel distribution into regional areas.
What happens next
Livestock SA will:
- Continue to represent livestock producers through the State Operational Group and other forums
- Share verified updates as new information becomes available
- Advocate for improved transparency, regional prioritisation and practical solutions on the ground
If you are experiencing delivery delays, loss of supply, safety issues, or pricing concerns, please let us know. Your information strengthens our position and helps ensure regional voices are heard where decisions are being made.
Livestock SA remains committed to standing with producers and keeping members informed as the situation evolves.
Travis Tobin
CEO Livestock SA
18 March 2026
Fuel supply update – Livestock SA at the table
We want to thank those of you who responded to the fuel supply concerns. Your feedback, insights and on ground experiences are extremely valuable and have helped inform our advocacy. We encourage members to continue sharing information with us as the situation evolves.
We want to reassure you that we are actively involved at the highest levels, with the State Government’s Fuel Security Roundtable alongside fuel companies, industry groups and government representatives.
What we know right now:
As at 10 March 2026, Australia’s fuel stocks were at similar levels to before the Middle East conflict began:
- Petrol: 1.6 billion litres – approximately 37 days’ supply
- Diesel: 2.7 billion litres – approximately 30 days’ supply
- Jet fuel: 800 million litres – approximately 29 days’ supply
All fuel shipments have arrived as expected, and at this stage, arrivals are forecast to continue through March and into late April.
The Australian Government has recently announced two measures to support supply:
- Release of up to 762 million litres of petrol and diesel from domestic strategic reserves (Minimum Stockholding Obligation), representing around 20% of national stocks.
- Temporary easing of petrol quality standards for 60 days, allowing higher sulphur petrol (up to 50 ppm) to be sold. This is expected to add around 100 million litres of petrol per month to the market.
The practical implementation of both measures is still being worked through.
A key outcome of the roundtable is that fuel security meetings will now be held every Monday, allowing for regular intelligence sharing across government and industry. Weekly stock updates will be provided to improve the accuracy and consistency of messaging, and regional supply gaps will be closely examined to support more targeted delivery where needed.
While the situation remains fluid, Livestock SA will continue to represent members directly, ensure regional impacts are understood, and push for clear, timely information to support on farm decision-making.
We encourage you to keep information coming, particularly where there are regional supply issues or emerging pressure points. This intelligence is critical in ensuring concerns are raised and addressed as quickly as possible.
Email communication can be sent through to admin@livestocksa.com.au
Travis Tobin
CEO Livestock SA
11 March 2026
Diesel supply situation
Livestock SA is aware of ongoing concerns about diesel availability in some regions and the impact this will have on time-critical agricultural activities.
The situation could worsen as demand increases with the winter cropping season, which may place further pressure on supply chains. If shortages persist, there is potential for a wide range of impacts including farm incomes, food supply, animal welfare and human safety.
At this stage, no specific timelines for resolution have been provided, and the situation remains fluid, with further updates expected as supply and demand conditions evolve.
Livestock SA is working with industry partners, national bodies and government to ensure emerging issues are understood and escalated where required.
What we’re asking members to do
- Report any fuel shortages or supply disruptions you are experiencing so these can be raised with relevant authorities and the National Farmers’ Federation (NFF).
- Email admin@livestocksa.com.au
- Provide details where possible, including location, duration of the issue and the impact on your operations.
This information is critical to ensuring Livestock SA’s needs are clearly understood and prioritised.
We will continue to keep members informed as more information becomes available.
Travis Tobin
CEO - Livestock SA