Fuel security is only part of the picture – price transparency matters too
Last week, I raised serious concerns with the NSW Government about fuel availability in regional NSW, particularly for farmers, freight operators and construction businesses. In the regions, fuel isn’t optional, when supply tightens, work stops and costs flow straight through to families and food prices.
But availability is only one side of the challenge. Sudden fuel price spikes add yet another layer of pressure for local households, primary producers and small businesses who rely on their vehicles every single day.
To help address this, the NSW Liberal Party and NSW Nationals announced a Fuel Transparency Plan designed to give greater certainty and transparency when filling up.
What is being proposed?
The first phase would require petrol stations to set and lock in their fuel prices for 24 hours. This would mean:
• No sudden price jumps when you pull in to fill up
• Knowing the day’s price in advance so you can plan
• Clearer, fairer competition between service stations
The plan would:
• Require service stations to publicly report and lock in daily fuel prices
• Provide advance notice of next‑day fuel prices
• Introduce penalties for misleading conduct
• Build on the existing NSW Fuel Check system
A second phase would focus on long‑term fuel security and resilience, including storage capacity and supply chain reliability – issues that matter deeply for regional NSW, where fuel underpins agriculture, freight and construction.
I will continue to advocate for practical measures that improve fuel security, price certainty and cost‑of‑living relief for the Goulburn electorate and regional NSW.
In the regions, fuel isn’t optional – it’s essential.
For local farmers, diesel is required to run machinery, plant crops and transport stock and feed. Our construction businesses rely on it to keep equipment operating. Truck drivers rely on it to move goods across the state.
When fuel costs spike or supply becomes uncertain, the impact spreads quickly, through agriculture, construction, freight and local businesses, and ultimately onto the cost of living for families.
That’s why I’ve raised this with the NSW Minister for Agriculture & Regional NSW – asking what steps the Government is taking to monitor fuel supply and ensure critical regional industries like agriculture, freight and construction can access the fuel they need.
In Parliament of NSW, the Minns Labor Government voted against urgently dealing with skyrocketing fuel prices – choosing political games over practical solutions for NSW families.
The Liberals and Nationals pushed to debate new laws that would introduce a 24‑hour fuel price guarantee, giving drivers certainty by locking in the daily maximum price set by service stations.
Labor blocked it.
This scheme is already working in WA and Victoria, and even has the support of the NRMA, who know families need help now, not later.
Opposition Leader Kellie Sloane MP said it best:
“Labor has prioritised parliamentary games over practical support for drivers.”
NSW Nationals Leader Gurmesh Singh MP also highlighted the impact on regional communities:
“Parliament doesn’t sit again until May – so we need to provide cost of living solutions this week.”
The Liberals and Nationals have put forward practical ideas, including:
A fuel transparency scheme
Free public transport over the long weekend
Labor?
Nothing
If you’re experiencing fuel shortages, closed servos (or pumps) or unusually long wait times, please take a moment to report it.
This means we can escalate concerns quickly and fight to ensure our region receives its fair share of fuel supply.
Every report helps us build the case to keep our community moving.
Report fuel shortages here: https://www.nofuelhere.com.au/
Thank you for helping keep Goulburn informed and supported.