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Australians Encouraged to Telecommute Amid Soaring Fuel Prices

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The International Energy Agency has raised alarms as diesel prices soar to an unprecedented $3 per litre.

In its list of 10 recommendations, the watchdog has also urged Australians to slow down on the roads, avoid air travel and carpool to work or take public transport.
Petrol selling for 299.9 cents a litre on March 6, 2026.
Petrol selling for 299.9 cents a litre on March 6, 2026. (9News)
This morning, the cheapest petrol in Australia was in Perth, at $2.19 a litre, and Melbourne was the most expensive place to fill up at $2.99 a litre in Hawthorn.

In Melbourne’s northern suburb of Kingsbury, some petrol stations have already pushed prices to $3.10 per litre.

The next most expensive petrol in Sydney is in Lewisham, at just over $2.79.

Meanwhile, the national average price remains at $2.45 per litre, with no immediate relief expected due to the ongoing turmoil in the Middle East.

Liberal Senator Paul Scarr emphasized the necessity for government transparency regarding fuel reserves and future supply plans. Speaking on Today, he stated, “The government needs to clearly convey to Australians what our current fuel supplies are and where future supplies will originate.”

An Ampol petrol station in Neutral Bay, a favourite for motorists on Sydney's Northern Beaches, has been run dry.
An Ampol petrol station in Neutral Bay, a favourite for motorists on Sydney’s Northern Beaches, has been run dry. (Supplied)

He further stressed the importance of maintaining diesel availability for farmers, adding, “Ensuring diesel reaches our agricultural sector is crucial to keep food on our tables and support all productive industries.”

In an urgent decision, the ACCC has allowed fuel companies to collaborate and coordinate fuel supply.

“This is part of the government’s decisive action to make more fuel available to industry and households and keep fuel flowing to where it’s most needed, including the bush,” Treasurer Jim Chalmers said.

Petrol prices showing BP petrol station in Clovelly 16th March 2026.
Petrol prices showing BP petrol station in Clovelly 16th March 2026. (Steven Siewert)

“It’s really important that the big players in the fuel markets don’t treat this as a chance to disadvantage the independents who play a vital role, including in regional Australia.”

The decision will allow fuel companies to exchange and coordinate information surrounding the fuel supply across the country to prevent shortages without breaching competition laws.

However, fuel suppliers are still not allowed to share information or reach agreements on fuel prices.

The call comes as NSW Premier Chris Minns announced yesterday that about 80 petrol stations in the state were without diesel and about 40 had no petrol at all.

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